[hharney]

A nice tailored and cared for grass strip should be no problem for the 337. It does get a little trickier with the P model because of weight. To me the approach and exit are probably more important than anything else. What's at each end of the runway and where does the wind predominantly come from. 2,000 ft is not going to give you much room for error. Things to consider are heat, density altitude, condition of the strip, grass height, softness of the ground, load in the aircraft and pilot skill. I have seen a P model do 2400 ft on a good surface of grass and it can be nail biting. I have seen the same plane do 2700 ft and it looks much better. So 2000 ft is going to be challenging. Do it by the book and see what it says. Remember the book is based on a brand new plane with fresh engines and props. Thanks Cessna.

If you can go to a longer, similar grass conditioned strip and mark the 2000 ft and see what happens. Depending on the approach and exit of the strip you want to use, you may find by doing the test at a longer strip that 2000 ft is not going to be real safe for daily use.

There are some mods out there, STOL, VG's and engine enhancements that may help if it doesn't break the bank.

As far as technique to depart a short, grass strip, I always want all the power I can get. Hold the brakes, run up the rear to full power, release the brakes and bring in the front as you pull up the nose to avoid blowing FOD into the rear prop. Another method I used in the back country was something my dad taught me, the rolling departure. If there is room to the side of the runway, position the plane so that you can make a rolling turn onto the runway before adding full power. This has been pretty effective in the mountains but requires some technique and area to be able to perform it. If it's a nice grass strip you shouldn't have any problems with the rear prop eating FOD and the gear on the Skymaster is duty tested for a lot more abuse than a grass strip.

Disclaimer: I don't fly a P model and have very limited experience in one.