[Paddlewise] Best all round car for kayakers

Mark wrote:

  When you add the Thule racks (I
removed the factory cross-bars, although you could leave them in place --
they slide fore and aft), you just install slightly wider bars than are
standard.  The bars extend a few inches outside the fore-aft factory rack
system.  The outside saddle mounts outside the factory rack.  It looks quite
natural, since even with the extra width the bar doesn't extend anywhere
near the actual width of the car.

i too own a subaru outback and with the thule racks, (wider than 
standard so that 2 kayaks fit-but the racks aren't wider than the 
vehicle) a pair of hulley rollers, and then the braces up front, we 
have LOTS of room for two sea kayaks.

another plus for the subaru outback (okay 2 plusses) the outback is 
lower, so that it is easier for us short peeples to load big ol' sea 
kayaks single handedly.  i had a HECK of a time lifting the fore end 
of a sea kayak onto a kia.  it was MUCH easier for me to lift the 
front of the kayak onto an outback, then go to the aft and roll er on 
up.

the 2nd plus for the outback, it is not considered a SUV.  it has all 
of the same perks as the forestor, but it rides and handles like a 
*car*, has the same all wheel drive, longer wheel base, and is much 
quieter.  insurance is less since not considered SUV.
-- 
    ~
   (">  weebee
  {( )} "Time spent laughing is time spent with gods."
   ¾ „ ~~~~~~~~~{_at_;
   /|\

   
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