Considering a 337

[billsheila]

Dear current owners:

I am 41 year old pilot with about 400 hours, instrument rated. My typical mission is family trips (4 total) and am considering a 337 or 336 as a possibility for an upgrade from my capable but weight limited single.

With zero exposure to these birds, here is what I am taking from browsing your forum....Pros: two engines, speed, useful load, easy to fly. Cons: expensive to own (while cheap to purchase), some quirks to the design (ie gear, engine heat management), perhaps hard to find "good" service shop due to uniqueness.

I live in MA and presently fly out of Norwood, MA (KOWD).

If any 336/337 pilot would be willing to meet for a coffee and show me their airplane up close, I would be most appreciative. Better yet, if I buy some gas and we could go for a flight, that would be even better!

Oh, any one more question re Insurance. Is there any difference between 336 and 337 due to fixed gear from an insurance perspective...or do they in effect put them all into one basket given the low #of 336's out there?

Thanks
Bill