one note: the 140 will have lighter controls. But, I'd give up the light control feel of the 140 for the extra useful load of the 235 (even with the much higher fuel burn)
I would consider a Cherokee 140 the ideal aircraft for anyone in the 2-seater market. Top the tanks with 2 adults and some luggage, and weight shouldn’t be an issue, even during summertime. Try that in a C150 or Tomahawk, won’t work out so well. Most 140’s seem to be priced for not much more than most 2-seat trainer aircraft. And I would definitely consider removing the rear seats for extra baggage space. Any idea how much the rear seats weigh?
The POH for my 140 had the weight listed... sadly, I sold my 140 in 2012 and I think I recycled the POH copy I had at home. And I'm waaaay too lazy to try to find it in the IPB. anyway, IIRC, it was 8.1 lbs per seat.
2 adults with full fuel may well put you forward of the CG envelope. Adding a few pounds to the rear isn't always an answer either as the allowable forward CG location moves back as weight increases. I teach in a 140 and only fuel to the tabs. But a 140 is a good little short range aircraft if the W&B works for you.
I took the seats out. They don't weight a whole lot if you have those removable snap in seats. Maybe 3-4 lbs each. The main benefit of removing them is the space you're gaining. It really opens up the back and we can haul a lot in there on trips. We're never more than two humans on the plane and the pets love the space in the back without the backseats. I also usually just fill to the tabs. Full fuel is like 5+ hours of flying time. Who can handle a 5 hour leg on any small plane in the first place? Either I, my wife, the pets or all of us will need a bio break after 3 or so hours. Tabs gives you 3 hours, plus half hour reserve. That's plenty, at least for me.
I have done a 6 hour flight solo. And 5.5 hours with the GF. Had, but did not need to use, piddle packs.
LOL, I had to change plans on planned 3.5 hour legs before, because someone on the plane had to pee pee so bad so I diverted to an airport after as little as two hours aloft. I have those piddle packs on board as well but my passengers (two and four legged ones) don't like or are able to use them. They're most there for me so I won't ever be the reason for an unplanned pit stop.
IRT only to the Powerflo - I have some experience with that in a 172 and a Cherokee 140; in my subjective opinion it does increase power significantly. Caveat - the 172 had one mag replaced with a electronic ignition - that said, an engineer in our club maintained the combination turned the 160hp into 180+hp. I was inclined to believe him as I didn't see less performance in that aircraft as opposed to a "traidtional" 180hp Penn Yann conversion in CAP 172s I flew back then.
I was IFR Atlanta area to SE PA in a GA-7 Cougar. Pax had to pee BADLY. I asked for a divert to KLYH for "physiological distress" reasons. The controller was, "Huh, what do you..... OH, OK, cleared direct KLYH" followed by laughter.
