I hate to keep asking what seems like different iterations of the same question, but after having discussion with my better half about it, she really doesn't care one way or the other if I get a short body or a long body.

I've got two kids, a 55lbs. dog, and a 115lbs. fiancée. I'm 41, no more kids coming, and when I travel for business (>95% of my travel) I'm by myself with a 20lbs. rucksack. I value the range, speed, and climb performance of the Solitaire, but the cabin in the Marquise, which I will never sit in, is opulent. That said, it's never going to get filled.

Solitaire, right?

Craig,

I'd go with the Solitaire or a P - Model, have equal time in long and shorts ,however only our short body and about 35 long bodies ( J,L,N and Marquise). Most of our trips were 2-4 people can count the number of trips maxed out with 6 pax.

Regards,

Nigel

This is like trying to decide if you need a KA F-90 or a 350...

You don't need the space, both have about the same payload, but the lighter option also goes faster and further.

It's all about the potty. What's the range of your kids or the 115lbs fiancée who likes to drink two coffees in the morning before going flying?

Marquise potty - priceless. Also, the Solitaire doesn't make elegant landings (nose slams down) and the directional stability on the ground (particularly on the rollout) is much less.

You can also remove seat(s) in the solitaire and carry some really big stuff in there, should you ever need to. Also, you have access to the Cargo inflight in the Marquise.

-Pascal

If you don't mind not being able to grease your landings, the Solitaire is the plane to have. It's a solid 20kts faster and will fit in a lot of hangars. The Marquise is better on one engine and it lands very smoothly. The Marquise is about to have an AD on fuselage cracks, but unless your looking at a very high time plane it shouldn't be a problem. Either one will give you the most bank for the buck.

Also consider a 3 blade short body. Faster with simpler systems and no prop AD.

Craig come check out the eclipse, right up your alley!

Mike

I bought a short body K model with the -6's about seven months ago and love it so far. I've had five in it on a couple occasions and it was very comfortable. The potty has not been an issue yet with the wife as the trip legs have not been that long. TAS seems to average around 275-285kts. Just flew it round trip to New Mexico from TN and averaged 74gls. hr. on the trip. The Solitaire seems to be 20-30kts faster on more fuel burn though and the Marquise 15-20kts. faster.

Craig,

You've gotten some great feedback there. In my mind it came down to:

1. Solitaire
Pros - faster, smaller (not much but can fit in a large T-Hangar while a long body will not)
Cons - baggage is in two external lockers behind the cabin -- harder to fit big things in, have to lift to chest height for the upper locker (lower locker accessible from right side of plane vice left), cabin is a LOT smaller -- you really need to see the two planes to see the difference, no potty, landings are rougher on the nose gear (especially with CG up forward as typical when flying alone). Cabin a bit noisier than the Marquise.

2. Marquise
Pros - baggage is in the cabin with you. Have not found anything I can't fit in the plane yet if it will fit through the door. Cabin is much bigger and feels spacious. Landings are a non issue. Cabin and cockpit are both a bit quieter than the Solitaire.
Cons - Slower (adds about 15-20 minutes to most trips). Bigger (won't fit in a T-Hangar).

Non-solitaire or marquise -- if you don't have Dash-10 engines, you take a big performance hit, especially on hot (ISA+20 days..even at altitude). You also have around 60 gallons less fuel capacity which effectively reduces your flight time by about 45-60 min. For the flight profiles you are looking for (especially the legs to/from Dallas) you want the extra fuel capacity of the Solitaire/Marquise vice the earlier models. The three blade props do not have the 5 Year recurring inspection AD (true), but there is an AMOC which pushes the inspection out to 7 years and even the Non-Hartzell folks will tell you the prop really needs to be inspected (not necessarily overhauled) by then to ensure all is fine. The four blade props are also significantly quieter (inside the cabin at least) than the three blade props due to the lower prop speed.

One other (minor) nitnoid. The short bodies have nose gear that retracts backwards, the long bodies have nose gear that retracts forward. I've heard stories that some taking off in icy conditions in short bodies have the nose gear kicking ice/snow up into the wheel well. You'd have to talk to Pat Cannon or someone with experience in short bodies in snowy climates to confirm but it was mentioned to me.

Dave

P.S. - Back in the US now, headed out again on Sunday but up for linking up on Saturday if you want.

Mike C could quote the details better, but I think he believes the -10 3 blade airplanes are basically equivalent range to the later models. Little faster, little lighter - better cruise speed, quicker climb to altitude, etc.

M-model... best ever made.
6psi cabin, higher gross weight, 3 blade props.

Short bodies are very hangar friendly, about fits in my garage!

1000pounds lighter than long body on the same wing and basically the same power.
TONS of storage space.

My business partner has 2 teenage kids, dog and wife and its perfect for them.
until the boy has to pee...

It sounds like either model will be okay with you. The pros and cons are listed here. If that doesn't sway you one way or the other, just find the best Marquise or Solitare you can find for the money. Solitaires are typically a little less to buy in and typically more of them on the market. A nice Marquise seems to be a little more difficult to find.

Best of luck to you. They are great airplanes!