Comparable WS Vehicle to Volvo XC70

[dcharlton]

I sold my 1993 Ford explorer when I had the Eureka moment of realizing I could fit my 8.0 sail and 3 other sails in the passenger seat after reclining the seat all the way down in my boring Sedan. You need 3 things to turn just about any Sedan into a windsurfing vehicle:

1) Passenger seat reclining down to enough to lay your sails and boom down

2) Trunk to Passenger ski compartment (to slide the masts through)

3) Roof rack friendly top for the boards

[DelCarpenter]

Even if I didn't need the extra length of a mini-van for my long boards, I would still choose to have one for windsurfing. The convenience of "more than enough" space is by now a requirement for me. My wife also loves our Honda Odyessy because we can sleep in it when we are camping.

In my experience there are more women who avoid "bad" boys and who want stability more than they want excitement. If the old saw that "nice guys finish last" is true, it is because nice guys will actually stick around long enough to finish, unlike bad boys who are off to the next adventure. OK, I've way overstated my case. Whatever your own level of "raceiness" or, like me, lack thereof, personal authenticity is attractive.

[donwh]

OP back, still half-heartedly looking...
Anyone know about Nissan Muranos? Critical that the front and rear passenger's seats go almost flat to fit 2 8 ft. boards in.

[donwh]

Sorry, wrong repost board.
But will still take suggestions!

[rjseymour]

I've got a 2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon and have been really happy with it as a beach and boating vehicle. It can hold several boards/masts up to 10' 6" inside with the passenger side seats down and still sit another person behind the driver and a pile of gear in back.

Repair costs are on the higher side, but the resale value is low (bought a 07 with 50K for $7K) so you can pick up a used but well cared for example and come out ahead even if you run into an issue or two. Make sure it has up to date maintenance at a reputable mechanic.

The 07-10 models are all the same chassis, with a slightly better engine in 08.5+ and transmission in the 10. A nice compromise of 30 mpg highway, holds lots of stuff, and a dose of fun to drive.

From what I saw when looking at a variety of potential surf wagons, there aren't many that can hold longboards locked inside. For over 10' it seemed like Volvo, Passat, Mercedes, Ford Flex, and maybe the Dodge Magnum or the newer Outback Wagon.

[jlooby]

Bit of a hijack but oh well....

Any thoughts on how to keep inside of vehicle clean with all the wet sandy ws gear(I know I'm a sissy and a prude etc).

I use a Acura MDX to occasionally take 2 boards, 3 sails to wave break close to home (otherwise I sail right from house in lighter winds) and find it easier to shove everything inside vehicle.

Any ideas on how to contain all the dirt inside the vehicle and keep everything together for safety and convenience?
- custom big board bag
- interior tarp contraption
- 1/2 thule roof box

Thanks
Joe

[isobars]

http://bigfootbag.com/

[jlooby]

Perfect!
Thanks Isobars.
Just need to find one up here in Canada.

Joe

[isobars]

Doesn't the Pony Express run up there?

[motogon]

New MB Metris coming to US in October. 9'3" cargo floor length - perfect for windsurfing stuff! Price starting from $29K.