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Hi, Jeff. Our backgrounds are actually quite similar so I am drawing a certain amount of encouragement from your story. I was a little slower getting back into it is all; I went into the Navy flight program in 1969, got out in 1976 and started a real estate career that didn't leave a lot of time or financial security for civilian flying. Last August, with one kid in grad school and the other on his way (hopefully) to college, I decided it was now or never.
I don't have the qualifications to answer your question directly but I did start my flying career in the Beech T-34B Mentor, which was derived from the O-470 powered Debonair, and I can honestly say it was a sweetheart of a machine, much more responsive than the Pipers and Cessnas I've been renting lately. I also happen to think the Bonanzas and Debonairs are so much better looking.
What I've heard, though, is that the Bonanza has a problem with aft CG limits. Because my family are all on the big side (even my daughter is 6'-1" tall), this would be a problem when compared with, say, a Cessna 210 or a Comanche, both of which can muster similar cruise numbers but also carry a couple of passengers or skis, surfboards, etc. in the back seats.
The Bellanca, I read somewhere, is a little quirky about carrying power to the flair out at landing although I would sure want to check that out before I made a decision. There was also an AD out about the wooden wings that you'd want to look into and the fabric, although it probably lasts forever if kept in a hangar, is only supposed to be good for five to ten years.
It all depends upon how you, not I, would use it but that's my thought process for what it's worth. Either way, good luck and nice to hear your story.
Steve C.
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