Re: [Paddlewise] vehicle for sea kayakers

From: Michael Lampman <mlampman_at_solitaireboats.com>
Date: Tue, 24 May 2005 13:42:30 -0400
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I have tried several cars but now I am on my second minivan.  It is a  
Toyota Sienna.

Advantages:

1.  Better milage than most SUVs although the V6 has no trouble  
climbing some of the toughest mountain roads in the rockies.
2.  Higher ground clearance than any car I know of including larger  
SUVs, (this is true only of the toyota - not the other minivans).   
Because of the many rough dirt roads I get into this is more important  
to me than 4 wheel drive.
3.  I have permanently removed the center seats.  This creates a hugh  
space with great headroom to throw lots of gear into, (in addition to  
the hugh space in the rear), and to change clothes in any public  
parking lot or whatever and occasionally even to sleep.
4.  With J-Racks I can stand on the rear floor with the door open to  
load and unload alone although I wouldn't try it with a boat weighing  
much more than 45 lbs.

Disadvantages:

1.  According to my sons its is "very uncool".

Cheers,

Michael in Tallahassee
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Received on Tue May 24 2005 - 14:53:44 PDT

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