Cherokee 180 in the Phoenix area - want to check out

[Azpilot]

So, I’m not thrilled about the performance of my Cherokee 160c when it’s loaded near MGW in the summer time here in Phoenix. 50-200 fpm climbs aren’t fun, and my traveling mission is shaping up to be 2 FAA+ sized adults, and a growing future co-pilot. That plus reasonable bags puts me within 50 lbs of 2200 lbs when going from A-B, with usually no more than 40 gallons of fuel aboard.

I’m eyeballing a local 235, as well as investigating Arrow 200’s and Comanche 250s. However, in the interest of managing mission overkill, I’m wondering if a 180 (with its extra 200 lbs of capacity) would get me where I want to go and leave some $ available to have a nicer panel.

Speed is nice, but it’s not a driving priority. Comfortably climbing when it’s hot, as well as reliably being able to confidently surmount 8500’ features enroute (without prayer and a long lead-in for climb), is.

If any of you PFers in the Phoenix area have a Cherokee 180, I’d love to take a spin and see how the difference shapes up. I didn’t hate how the 235 threw me back in my seat - but I don’t often have a need for a 1400 lb useful. My airframe is the 180 frame (C model), and throwing an O-360 out front on a 337 might be possible - or just getting a 180.

Thanks!

 

[Orest @ CYFD]

 

[TheDoc]

 

[sanjiv]

 

[AZAir]

 

[ScottB]

 

[killrocks]

 

[Azpilot]

 

[Walboy]

 

[flyguydon]