Don
 

I don't cruise that slow so bear with me.

The RV-10 is an absolute cross country dream machine. Here is my typical cruise:
- 7K to 12K
- 2350 to 2400 RPM
- 23.5" MP or WOT
- LOP, 10.5 to 11.8 gph
- 170 knots TAS

Add to that real four place and baggage capability. I'm still amazed at how well it flew on our first long trip - Key West with two real guy, two wives and all the stuff the wives wanted to take.

Current insurance cost is $1496 ($150K hull and standard liability). As comparison, the last policy for my RV-8A was $1150. I'm a mid-time IFR rated pilot.

So - the RV-10 will not win on a cost per mile or cost per hour scale. This is where you inject what you want the plane to do, and what your wallet can stand to build it. Don't overlook the RV-10 being more than twice as hard to build as the typical two place RV (it has a boatload of fiberglass work).

Considering your wife's preference, and assuming you don't fly with more than two people, look at the RV-14. I first turned up my nose on this plane as I considered it a "fat boy RV-7". The RV-14 can best be summed up as a two place RV-10 that is aerobatic. I'm helping a builder now finish up his RV-14. The cockpit room has too be seen to believe. Add to that the more efficient RV-10 type wings and you have a great two place cross country airplane.

Carl

What he said ... If that's a major factor, be sure to try on a -9 or -7 (same cockpit) for size, as they're not exactly roomy ... your wife may not like them.

I'm going to build first and hope she doesn't complain later :P

The whole key to the economics of the 10 is how you use the additional room. I have back seaters more than I don't and they often pitch in for fuel reducing the cost.

When we went to OSH, we carried a cabin tent, toolbox, double layer air mattress, two sleeping bags, two pillows, two carry on sized suitcases, two umbrella chairs, cover, tie down stakes and straps, etc and a mid sized cooler.
Two seaters either shipped their stuff UPS at a cost, or bought it there and donated it to the local Boy Scouts at a cost. Or they did without.
Either airplane wins hands down depending upon how the back seat figures into the equation.

One other factor to consider is that when the time comes to sell, the 10 has a much broader market. A lot of Bonanza, 182, Mooney, cirrus folks are interested in 10's, but a two seater just isn't their cup
of tea. Nice 10's can sell for significantly more than their cost to build.

I'm not flying yet...
 

...but my wife insisted on the 10. I pitched a 7 or an 8 for dual XC comfort, plus "fun flying" capabilities, but she replied with, "Are you building this plane for you or for US?" Game, set, match...

Her thoughts:
- Bigger equals more comfortable in turbulence
- Room for kids or friends to go fly
- More luggage capacity for a "date trip"

My thoughts:
- Next one will be a 3B, just for me ;)