[Paddlewise] In support of little cars. . .

.


Huck wrote:





>   I recently sold my 85' full size Chevy Pickup for a Metro.





I empathize.  Once upon a time, I purchased a 1957 BMW Isetta -- the ultimate
in small cars (or was it a motorcycle?).  60 mpg.   Max 40 mph, at which speed
it was similar to riding in a coffee grinder.  I was the ultimate reverse
snob, although Cadillacs and trucks instilled appropriate humility by taking
deliberate aim and inflicting consummate terror.  13 HP doesn't give you much
oomph to get out of the way!  I have often wondered if all those nemeses went
on to purchase power boats and jet skis.





For carrying canoes and kayaks, the smallest I ever used was an '81 Dodge Omni
O24 Miser -- 40 mpg.  Great little car, although a gust of wind caught my
canoe and set me into a parallel lane on one occasion.  Another time, I had to
have my passenger get out and push to escape a muddy incline. 





Best all-around vehicle ever was my 4-cyl '89 Plymouth Voyager, which carried
canoes and kayaks all over the country for 11 trouble-free years and 158,000
miles.  Took out the back seat and put in a box for gear that also functioned
as a bed.  Slept at put-ins and even spent two months living in the van at
archaeological field school.  Rain gutters with Yakima racks were a safe,
solid carrying system.  Gads, I miss that car.  Based on a good experience, I
think anyone looking for a "beater" to carry kayaks would do well to seek out
the first generation Voyager.





But I would definitely be tempted by a Metro!


Rick





Rick 





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