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. With very high miles, I will be car shopping later in the summer. I just thought I'd get a discussion going about this. Dave --------------------------------- Discover Yahoo! Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing & more. Check it out! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Couple broad choices, both pickups, for road clearance and flexibility: 1. Small chassis compact PU with a cab-height canopy. Racks on the canopy or one on the cab, one on the canopy. Gives you a ton of storage for the wet and gnarly stuff, separate from the passenger compartment. Get a cab plus or similar for smallish jump seats when you need to do a short shuttle, or for the behind-the-seat storage of dry/precious gear. Downside: crowded cab. 2. Midsize chassis PU (Dodge Dakota, for example) with full-size four-door passenger compartment (aka Crew Cab, Quad Cab, etc.), open bed with two pair of Yakima supports for dual racks over the bed. Not much protected storage in the bed (a truck box can alleviate that somewhat), but a ton of room inside the cab for gear and/or passengers. Three with all the gear needed for a week- to two-week-long paddletrip can ride comfortably in a rig like this. The over-the-bed racks double for hauling lumber, etc., more functionally than racks on the cab, and do not mar the vehicle's roof. Downside: gas consumption about 30% greater than with choice 1. I did choice 1 for 10+ years, and have just switched to choice 2 for grandkid transport reasons, but in the end I think I will like choice 2 better. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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 spent last weekend with some people carrying 4 plastic SKs on a Chevrolet Suburban. I was the only one tall (5'11") and strong (um, well, you know) enough to actually lift one end of a boat above the rack. It was a 3-person thrash to get each boat loaded. Not recommended for normal-sized humans. I drive a 1996 first generation Honda Odyssey with 130K miles. Plenty of room, not too high to get boats up on the rack, decent MPG. Plus, it's a Honda. -- Steve Cramer Athens, GA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I own a Ford Taurus and an F-150. With the Taurus I keep an old furniture pad in the trunk. I throw it across the back of the trunk and the window and only have to get the bow trunk high. Its an easy push to load it on the roof. The F-150 has a headache rack that is a real struggle for me to get my 60lb kayak on by myself. I have gotten to the point where I put it on a trailer or will let it hang out the back for short stretches. Regards, S.B. (Bud) Turner Chief Operations Officer Bearden Development *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I like my Subaru Outback. 97K and only one failed alternator as a problem. Routine maintenance. 4 cylinder gas mpg is 23-26, depending on what I'm doing. Handles well. Fast enough with 2 people, but slow with more than 2 people. Lots of room for kayaks and equipment. Can get 3 sea boats on top and 3 paddlers with 3-4 day long trip. Have not tried 4 paddlers, but it's a possibility. Made in Indiana. Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
maybe one to look at - Ford Freestyle - kind of a wagon/SUV/minivan hybrid. Gas mileage isn't horrible (looking at Rob's post) - front wheel drive model gets 27 mpg, All wheel drive drops that to 24. German made CVT transmission has no gears - a neat, smooth operator - a different feel. V6 isn't going to win races but certainly provides enough umph. Room for 6 inside with 3rd row seat (albeit good friends!), all seats (except driver's) fold flat so you can haul 10' long items. Roof isn't as high as a minivan or pickup. This car is kind of like a overgrown Subaru Outback - without the legendary Subaru run forever name. I believe Ford drew some portions of this design and parts from the Volvo line which they now own. Don't have one of these but have looked. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Dave, On Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at 7:29:57 AM PST, you wrote: > In your opinion, what is the best all-around vehicle for sea > kayakers. I'm currently driving a very old Subaru GL wagon (1987), and though it is old, it's in good shape, gets between 25-30 miles to the gallon (could be better, but that's not too terrible), and can carry up to three boats w/gear. Even my one piece Greenland Paddles fit nicely inside. One of the things I also like about this car is its ground clearance; it's higher than most wagons of similar size I've seen, and this has come in handy on a few rough mountain roads and in the snow. My trusty old Subaru may need replacing by next summer (it's already got a little more than 200,000 miles on it), and I'm beginning to wonder at the wisdom of continuing to replace more parts again soon rather than looking for something with more years in it, and perhaps something with even better fuel efficiency (I wish there were a hybrid Subaru GL wagon!). Even so, if this car is any indication of the overall quality and longevity of Subarus, I'll be looking for another used (yet younger) Subaru for my next car. I'm still leaning in the direction of a wagon rather than an SUV type car or a full blown truck, because I would still want something with decent fuel efficiency, and I just don't need anything bigger. I drive on some rough roads now and again, but I never drive off-road (just don't like the idea of messing up a place that doesn't already have a road), so I don't need anything capable of plowing its way through pristine wilderness. No Hummer for me! :-) -- Melissa *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 02:37 PM 5/24/2005, Melissa Reese wrote: >I'm still leaning in the direction of a wagon rather than an SUV type >car or a full blown truck, because I would still want something with >decent fuel efficiency, and I just don't need anything bigger. I drive >on some rough roads now and again, but I never drive off-road (just >don't like the idea of messing up a place that doesn't already have a >road), so I don't need anything capable of plowing its way through >pristine wilderness. No Hummer for me! :-) Whether or not one drives off-road depends how you define off-road. There are lots of "roads" that are mostly unpassable using most vehicles, and for many such roads might be defined as "off-road". One of the experience that probably had more than anything to do with creating an interest in paddle boats involved a weekend trip to the Sierra Nevada on some 4WD roads. I owned a 4WD vehicle at the time and we put a friends canoe on top. We left the paved road and traveled about 100' before I had to put it into 4WD. Then we drove up a long, steep, and rocky "road" to the top of a hill with a gorgeous small lake. We unloaded the canoe and paddled out onto the lake and caught lots of wild brook trout. Much of the lake wasn't accessible due to the steep cliffs surrounding much of the shoreline but we were able to get to it using the canoe. It would have been a really long hike to get to the lake without the 4WD vehicle. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I've been very happy with my 2005 Toyota Tacoma. Bigger than earlier models, but still very compact. With 2 wheel drive and a manual transmission, I've been averaging 26-28 MPG in mixed driving (granted, I live in the country, so little of that is stop ang go city driving) Tons of space for paddling gear. and it's a toyota, so it should last forever, and have good resale value. geoff *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
"Geoff Jennings" <geoff_at_texaskilonewton.com> wrote: > I've been very happy with my 2005 Toyota Tacoma. Bigger than earlier > models, > but still very compact. With 2 wheel drive and a manual transmission, I've > been averaging 26-28 MPG in mixed driving (granted, I live in the country, > so > little of that is stop ang go city driving) Tons of space for paddling > gear ... Exactly the kind of rig I have used for 12-13 years of hauling sea kayaks all over the North West. With 2WD and stock tires (and no lift), only a couple inches higher than a Subaru wagon or similar. An easy lift for yaks, and even fits into the passenger vehicle category for BC ferry transport (IOW, not "over height" -- saves bucks on ferries). Never needed the 4WD despite tons of gravel road travel, and never complained about the good gas mileage (25 - 28 on the road; 20 in town) for a 1996 Toyota Tacoma and, prior to the Toy, a 1987 Mazda. Both with small engines and manual trannies, and both with cab-height canopies. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR . *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On 24 May 2005 at 14:15, Dave Kruger wrote: > Never needed the 4WD despite tons of gravel road travel, This past winter, Amie and I went up into the Georgian Bay region. While we had other business, some paddling friends were at a cottage nearby and invited us over for dinner - they'd rented the place for a planning session for their upcoming Gwaii Hannas kayak trip. The road in to the cottage was unpaved, about a kilometer of not- recently-plowed snow. Most of the cars were at or near the main road and we passed a couple of vehicles in snowbanks close to the cottage. Amie, driving her Honda Accord with snow tires, cruised right in. No one believed us when we said we drove all the way in. When we left, they all came out to watch, amazed, as we drove away. 4WD is for people who don't know how to drive :-) > and never > complained about the good gas mileage (25 - 28 on the road; 20 in > town) My little Honda gets almost twice that. Definitely feels better at the pump. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> 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. With > very high miles, I will be car shopping later in the summer. I just > thought I'd get a discussion going about this. > > Dave > While I am happy with my mid-sized Japanese car, I am envious of my paddling buddy with his pick-up with cap when we come to setting up for longer trips. My car's trunk is smallish for two people and all the camping equipment, food and paddling gear. I can put my kayak on my roof by myself; but if there are two of us, there is little difference between lifting a boat onto my roof or onto his. Only a few inches higher. Not that my friend can't load his kayak by himself; it's just a wee bit harder for him. Front end on a crossbar, then lift the back end into a pair of saddles. Finally, lift the front end into the saddles. Tying it down is also a bit more of a stretch. Helps if you're tall. The pick-up does better on back roads than my "luxury" sedan. It also "looks" less appetizing to potential thieves. Surprisingly, his pick-up gets better fuel mileage than my sedan with two kayaks on the highway. I get better mileage with no kayaks on top, so it would seem the extra drag of kayaks affects my car more than his truck. If I was buying a vehicle ONLY for kayaking, I'd vote for a small pick-up. But you do have to consider the other uses it is going to be put to -- or at least most of us do. HTH, -- Darryl *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I use a Chevy Astro cargo van with all wheel drive and locking rear differential. I have foam and U-bolts mounted directly to the roof for long boats. My WW kayaks easily fit inside for short trips or can go on the roof as well. The cargo area set up with storage that doubles as a sleeping area + have a portable toilette strapped down. I can store a ton of gear in this thing and still sleep in it. I use plastic storage boxes inside the wooden (epoxy coated) storage areas. I also made a plywood (epoxy coated) box that is mounted to a rear door for keeping PFD, spray skirt, helmets, tow belts, spare paddles, and water shoes - all the time. There are holes in the bottom for drainage. Gas mileage is decent, around 18 with boats on top. Steve Brown -----Original Message----- 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. With very high miles, I will be car shopping later in the summer. I just thought I'd get a discussion going about this. Dave *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and the height and gas mileage are a turn-off. It will get you there no matter the access road though and it will work for sleeping in, so no tent needed. My work car is an old Mercedes diesel and I am seriously thinking of putting some racks on it. The old MBs are mostly truck. When I kayak with the club and the boats are on the club trailer I take the car and it takes whatever the road dishes out. I think the Subaru might be the modern version of this car. Good mileage and tough enough for bad access roads. When this car wears out the Subaru wagons would be very high on my list of cars for a replacement. KENNETH MCCLELLAND > 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. With very > high miles, I will be car shopping later in the summer. I just thought > I'd get a discussion going about this. > > Dave *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 5/24/2005 2:43:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, mikedaly_at_magma.ca writes: My little Honda gets almost twice that. Definitely feels better at the pump. In the coming years, when my Subaru needs replacing, MPG will be the priority, followed quickly by a roofline strong enough to haul 2 brit boats. Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 05:46 PM 5/24/2005 -0400, Rcgibbert_at_aol.com wrote: >In a message dated 5/24/2005 2:43:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, >mikedaly_at_magma.ca writes: > >My little Honda gets almost twice that. Definitely feels better at >the pump. On a recent weekend trip to NYC we averaged 52 MPG in our little Honda...it's a Civic hybrid. John Fereira jaf30_at_cornell.edu Ithaca, NY *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I am 2500 miles into a 3500 mile trip with a Nordkapp and Falcon on the roof of my Dodge Van. I also have 3 banjos, 2 guitars, a road bicycle, camping gear, paddling gear, cycling gear, clothes for 2 weeks, rifles and ammunition and room for a cooler and other stuff. A little sluggish at 9,000 feet but wouldn't trade it for any other vehicle. Cya! Bob Denton www.sinkthestink.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> I am 2500 miles into a 3500 mile trip with a Nordkapp and Falcon on > the roof of my Dodge Van. I also have 3 banjos, 2 guitars, a road > bicycle, camping gear, paddling gear, cycling gear, clothes for 2 > weeks, rifles and ammunition and room for a cooler and other stuff. > > A little sluggish at 9,000 feet but wouldn't trade it for any other > vehicle. > > Cya! > > Bob Denton > www.sinkthestink.com I'd try keeping it a road level, Bob, and it'll go better. <grin> OTOH, I'm not going to argue if a guy with rifles and ammo wants to fly his Dodge van anywhere he wants.... -- Darryl *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Actually topped 11,000 feet on this trip. I only saw three other kayaks on the entire trip, including oncoming cars on the interstates, which has around 500 miles to go. Had to take the other stuff as I am moving from Florida to Santa Cruz, and the movers won't take it. CyaI'd try keeping it a road level, Bob, and it'll go better. <grin> OTOH, I'm not going to argue if a guy with rifles and ammo wants to fly his Dodge van anywhere he wants.... -- Darryl *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
[Moderator's Note: Content unaltered. Excessive quoting (including headers/footers/sig lines/extraneous text from previous posts, etc.) have been removed. Please edit quoted material in addition to removing header/trailers when replying to posts.] 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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 5/24/2005 3:02:10 PM Pacific Standard Time, jaf30_at_cornell.edu writes: On a recent weekend trip to NYC we averaged 52 MPG in our little Honda...it's a Civic hybrid. My wife has one, great mileage. We put the racks on when we need a shuttle car. Have you or anyone loaded a couple of sea kayaks on top and gone long distance? I'm wondering if the roof can handle it. Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On 24 May 2005 at 18:04, Rcgibbert_at_aol.com wrote: > shuttle car. Have you or anyone loaded a couple of sea kayaks on top > and gone long distance? I'm wondering if the roof can handle it. I just checked the Thule web site and they rate the Honda Civic 4Dr (which is essentially the Hybrid afaik) and it has a limit of 110 lb. That's not enough for two Brit Heavies. Yakima rates theirs at 125lb for the Hybrid, which barely covers two 60lb kayaks. (The Prius gets 165lb for the Yakima and is a classier car IMHO.) I'm surprised, since my older Honda takes the full 165lb limit and I carry two kayaks routinely. However, the ratings above are probably conservative and you may not have a problem with overloading the rack as long as you don't get carried away (i.e. don't pile up four kayaks with stinky wetsuits inside). Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I've been watching this discussion for a while and thought I'd mention, again, the option that I settled on after quite a while of loading boats onto vehicle roof racks. There are various systems for loading onto the roof that can make it pretty easy. The problem is that anything on a roof rack increases the drag of the vehicle due to increased frontal area and also increases the effect of side winds on vehicle stability. Wind resistance (drag) increases as the square of the speed increase. At 60 wind resistance is 9 times what it is at 20 mph. On a long trip on freeways the drag is really, really significant in the effect it has on gas mileage. Most of us have noticed the effect of a 20 mph headwind on our paddling energy expenditure. :-) A while ago I decided to quit doing that and bought a SportRig trailer. It is light, has an excellent long travel suspension that handles freeways and jeep trails equally well. It travels in the "Draft" position behind your vehicle and doesn't cause any noticeable effect on your gas mileage. You never have to lift the boats over waist high and you have a net load limit of 250 lbs, roughly 4 kayaks. I used to pull two kayaks behind my Honda del Sol and didn't notice that they were there except when I looked in the rear view mirror. There are lots of suitable trailers, the SportsRig just happens to be the one I chose because of weight and suspension considerations. Any low trailer will have the gas mileage advantage over a roof rack. Granted, those who ferry would have to pay more and backing is difficult for some. Any time I'm in a really tight position with the trailer I just pickup the rear end and move it sideways! If you want to look at it behind my del Sol see my site, below. Fair winds and happy bytes, Dave Flory -- Speak softly, study Aikido, & you won't need to carry a big stick! See my photos _at_ <http://homepage.mac.com/dflory> *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi. We have a 1999 Honda Civic hatchback, and carry two Mariner Elans with a yakima rack. One uses hullyrollers and mako saddles; the other hullraisers. No problems even driving at 80 mph, and strong winds. -merlin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
We drive a 1999 Subaru Forester. Plenty of git & go, 25-27 mpg highway, 22-25 mpg in town. We carry two brit boats, one in J-cradles, one in Mako saddles. Easy to solo load/unload either set up. Plenty of room for gear. Good sight lines. 70K and not a single mechanical hitch or repair. It's a stiffer frame than the Outback, slightly shorter length. Mostly we save gas because one of us works mostly at home and the other walks or bikes to work. Our other vehicle is a 1989 Toyota p/u with less than 80K miles.... -wjj *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 5/24/2005 5:07:54 PM Pacific Standard Time, daflory_at_speakeasy.net writes: The problem is that anything on a roof rack increases the drag of the vehicle due to increased frontal area and also increases the effect of side winds on vehicle stability. Wind resistance (drag) increases as the square of the speed increase. At 60 wind resistance is 9 times what it is at 20 mph. On a long trip on freeways the drag is really, really significant in the effect it has on gas mileage. Most of us have noticed the effect of a 20 mph headwind on our paddling energy expenditure. :-) There is a lot of truth to this. As someone who has sold emergency vehicle warning systems for 10 years, drag is a major component the authoritah's factor into the equation. At least the smart ones do. A paddler may sacrifice a mile or a few miles per gallon with bars and boats up top. Large fleets sacrifice that times x0's, x00's, or x000's of vehicles, with added rooftop drag. In years past I have had many large agencies tell me they do not care. Gas was a buck and a half a gallon then, and they did not pay taxes on that. Tis a bit different these days. Economical paddling to you all, Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Bob, Did you get to paddle any in Ark, La, or Tx.? Are you going to do a trip report on your adventure? If not a full trip report how about a "Paddling Places Not to Be Missed" list? Mark J. Arnold >> I did get time to paddle in a bayou at one of the state parks near Centerville, not far from Lafayette, where I spent a couple of days eating Cajun food and listening to Cajun music. Cya! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I am afraid I underestimated the free time I had available and only paddled in LA. I used my Garmin 60C to plot the entire trip and it was fantastic in that it plotted the most efficient route based on time, speed limits, etc, and avoided the interstates. I was often on 2 lane roads with 70 MPH limits with no other traffic either way, for 30 or 40 minutes at a time. I was routed through towns I never heard of, and had some of the best steaks of my life! Total mileage was just under 4K. I had to cross the Sierras at Senora pass, as the usual pass was closed due to a heavy snow pack and won't open till July. There was still 8 feet of snow along the road at the 10,000 foot peak. Traversing the 26% grades in a heavily loaded van was a challenge to say the least! I have a few shots of the Bayou. Nothing spectacular. I did pass Mono Lake and would have paddled there, time permitting. It is definitely a spot I will return to this summer. Cya! -----Original Message-----************************************************* *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Gee, I really should have been reading Paddlewise! Summary - I'm sticking with my '85 Vanagon - I loved my trucks but after having engine problems and test driving a Subaru and a Volvo wagon (nice ride) (and spending hours researching online) I just can't give up the room so am going for a rebuild - Friday! I put this page up for the vanagon people - it's kind of a cult: http://onwatersports.com/van.html My old Dawn Treader is the sea kayak on there in the picture - goes back to about '85 as well! Andree Viewit.com, Onwatersports.com Store Update: http://www.viewit.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc? June Newsletter http://onwatersports.com/KIX/Newsletters/KayakNewsletterJune05.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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