Tim, here's one answer, IMHO.

I have a 235 (with a slightly pumped up O-235 with the Hi-compression
pistons) and have made the trip from the LA area to West Yellowstone,
Montana with a stop in Elko, Nevada, four or five times. I almost asways had
a passenger and a weeks worth of stuff plus our fly-fishing gear.
Unfortunately, once I stopped taking a C-182, the two float-tubes and the
waders had to be sent on the brown truck.

Since I retired to Northern Idaho in '99, I have made several trips from
Coeur d'Alene to LA and one or two to the Santa Cruz area.

All were quite enjoyable. The 235 is a bit tight if you're a big person. I'm
5'9'' and weigh abut 160, however, the guy that used to go fishing with me
was about 5'10" and probably weighed in at close to 200. With a fixed pitch
prop and the above load, middle of the day takeoffs in the high desert in
Nevada, for instance, had to be done with a reduced fuel load and were what
made me opt for the MT constant speed prop.

Bottom line, I think the 235 is a good x-country machine as long as you
don't have to lug along too much stuff. Another good addition to this
airplane is at least a wing-leveler autopilot, particularly when on a solo
trip. Very big help when you need to look close at a chart or a flight guide
book. I added a NavAids minimal autopilot to mine and have been glad ever
since.

Hope this helps.

Dan Schaefer
N235SP - Early 235.