Re: [Paddlewise] Best Vehicle

The best kayak/canoe/bike hauler I ever had was a Honda Civic.  The only draw only drawback  was that the racks were only 19" apart so I had to be real careful to keep everything tied down, expecially the end lines as side winds could be dangerous.

But I hauled various combinations of 

2- solo canoes
2 solo canoes with a tandem canoe on top of them

1 tandem, 1 kayak, 1 bike

1 tandem, 2 bikes, 2 passengers for a 20 day trip to Boundary waters - 15 days of food and supplies. 

4 kayaks - using stackers. 

I got 55mpg listed and only 35 with one or 2 canoes.  Of course I always drive at  least the speed limit.  I did this with the car for about 230,000 miles in 10 years. 

I bought one of the last Honda Civics but had it totaled from under me a few months later when I was rear-ended.

Now I'm driving a Ford Focus which is a little too tall for me to easily load boats on.  It is fun to drive but the gas milege stinks - only about 22mpg and it has had numberous problems and let me down several times - ignition lock failed twice, fuel pump once and had a couple of recalls. It is also not as comfortable to ride in as was the Honda.  But has a bigger engine and more pickup. 

I expect to buy a hybrid car for my next one - probably by Toyota. 
Another possibility that hasn't been mentioned is the Volkswagon Golf.  My daughter hauls bicycles on it and likes it and it is fully capable of hauling a couple of kayaks. 

But you definitely need to define your uses of the vehicle and fit it to your height and strength. Another solution is to go with a trailer for the kayak.  This way you can use any vehicle and not have to worry about lifting over your head. 

Your chances of getting hurt are probably greatest when you are  loading your kayak on top of you vehicle you you need to be sure you can do it without being at the limits of your reach and strength. 

Marilyn Kircus
Houston, Tx
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