Options on a car for board transport

U2U2U2

I'm aware this is covered numerous times.

I'm hoping to find some fresh advise on a car .

I had a Chrysler Town & Country, return trip from Hatteras had encounter with deer, destroyed, , that was perfect .

Since I will need to replace it, AND I'm also looking at downsizing my number of boards, gear , I'm CONSIDERING a more fuel efficient vechile.

Requirements are not written in stone.

Inside 2boards, compact 100 and 88liter. Roof would carry 1 only, no other equipment, about a 125liter board.

My thoughts would be a small wagon of sorts, AWD A plus, not required.
VW Jetta wagon size, four door at least, or hatchback. Have reasonable view for travel, the larger SUVs would be less suited then a mini van, which is still ideal for large amounts of stuff, MPG, not great.

Not restricted on import or US. Used probably ,

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

My round trip commute is 20 miles on the freeway, 19 on the streets. If I go to work, jump over to my local lake to sail & then go home I add 8 miles so a 28 mile round trip. When the weather is mild & it is not wind I commute by bike. Everyone's situation is different, but I have considered this for myself. Not cheap, but a good option.

https://www.chrysler.com/pacifica/hybrid.html

My daily commute & lake detour would be all electric only needing the gas engine when I go out of town.

Coachg

bred2shred · Joined: 02 May 2000 Posts: 989 Location: Jersey Shore

If gas mileage is a major factor, then you might consider just getting a small trailer for the gear. I don't think you're going to find too many vehicles that have enough space to stuff boards and gear inside AND have good gas mileage (assuming your definition of good gas mileage is something better than a mini-van which should easily get mid-20's on the highway).

Lot's of advantages to a trailer - no stinky/messy gear inside your car, you can pick a car that is suitable to the majority of your driving and not dictated by windsurfing needs, you don't have to drive around with gear piled next to you (more room for passengers), better gas mileage than large vehicles or vehicles with boards stacked on the roof, can be easily customized to suit your gear transport needs.

sm

rigitrite · Joined: 19 Sep 2007 Posts: 520 Location: Kansas City

scargo · Joined: 19 May 2007 Posts: 394

You forgot to include the most important data point: number of passengers (if any) you need to be able to accommodate.
If you're going solo, that opens up a whole world of small vehicles, a laydown front passenger seat being the only real requirement.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 2:24 pm Post subject:

Sorry my bad, critical point that.
While in use as a windsurf vechile , NO passengers .

Largest board would be a 100liter, which is 240cm , 7'8".

And must hold a smaller board as well, without rear view blockage.

scargo · Joined: 19 May 2007 Posts: 394

All kinds of options, then.
For slightly more headroom (would be nice for changing in the back), maybe look into some of those small, euro-type rigs, like the small version of the Transit, or Nissan's small NV.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 3:17 pm Post subject:

Those get no better gas mileage than a Chrysler mini van, with mich more room.

Irregardless they both are vans, just smaller, not cars.

You missed the point. But much appreciate all the thought.

motogon · Joined: 19 Aug 2000 Posts: 376 Location: Philly

Odyssey would fit inside all your stuff + 1 passenger. Very comfortable. Reliable. Gas mileage: 28 mpg at speed up to 60, down to 25-26 mpg at 75-80.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 4:30 pm Post subject: