Re: [Paddlewise] vehicle for sea kayakers

From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
Date: Tue, 24 May 2005 13:13:51 -0400
On 24 May 2005 at 7:29, Dave Reynolds wrote:

> In your opinion, what is the best all-around vehicle for sea kayakers.
>  I currently drive a ford escort hatchback and it suits me fine. 

I'd stick with that category - the compact or sub-compact hatchback 
(or micro-SUV as I sometimes call mine).  

These have all the advantages - decent fuel economy, good size for 
two kayaks, paddlers and gear, easy to reach roof rack etc.  Those 
who drive trucks always comment on how they wish they had an easy to 
reach roof like I have.

I've got a 13-year-old Honda Civic hatchback that's been all over 
eastern North America (Lake Superior to Cape Breton and south as far 
as S. Carolina) with kayaks on top.  Nothing but routine maintenance 
and it still drives like a champ. I hope to get another four or five 
years out or it. I have (no kidding) left real SUVs behind on rough 
roads - but I don't worry about getting a scratch on my car :-)

The Mazda 3 whatever, Volkswagen Golf TDI or TDI wagon, Ford Focus, 
even the Toyota Prius make a decent paddler's car in my mind.  
There's lots of choice in this category - I can't even think of all 
the models.  The TDIs and the Prius are also particularly fuel 
efficient.

Mike
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Received on Tue May 24 2005 - 10:13:59 PDT

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