New vehicle- kayak friendly

[Gillgetter]

The Outback sounds good but an FJ Cruiser will get you anywhere and back.

[Tyrone Shoes]

I had a 2004 Avalanche. Can seat 5 with Suburban like comfort and haul 2+ kayaks with a bed extender. If there is just two of you, and the weather is nice, fold down the midgate, slide in the yaks and they will only stick out a foot or so past the tailgate when folded down. Also, I have carried 20 sheets of 1/2" drywall, in a downpour, bone dry. Awesome vehicle!

Plus it got the same gas mileage as my buddy's Honda Pilot.

[Sun]

That's a bummer about the car. Sorry it got totaled. I trust you came away ok?
The rav4 and highlander are both nice suvs. I think both would work fine as kayak transporting machines. You will definitely need to adopt a new way of loading your kayak from the sonata though. I find it easier to load my kayak on my ford focus hatchback than my honda odyssey van. Most suv and van owners slide their kayaks onto roof racks from the rear, as opposed to side loading. This can be facilitated by some roof rack accessories or a DIY kayak loading cart(if you do a forum search, you'll see it).

[frettr00]

http://th3forgott3n.com/axalon/rs25/...e/DSC_8032.jpg I'll have to take a pic next time I load up my kayak. The kayak itself is as big as the car.

[gafisherman]

Thanks for all the input everyone, I spent most of yesterday looking at the Rav4 and Highlander, both nice vehicles. I definitely need something on the better end with gas, because I have a 28 mile commute everyday, but I do want something roomy, b/c my wife and I travel a decent amount, and I want to be able to take all our luggage, plus the yak.

I'll keep you posted on what I get.

I

[imagine29028]

http://th3forgott3n.com/axalon/rs25/...e/DSC_8032.jpg I'll have to take a pic next time I load up my kayak. The kayak itself is as big as the car.

Great cars....as a car guy I know I'll be shot for saying this.....but I wish they made a WRX/STI in an automatic. I'd buy one tomorrow. Love the older generations (like that one) with the actual rally look.

[AbuMasgouf]

Since everyone is chiming in, I'll throw in my 25 dinars (about 2 cents)

I use my 2008 Prius to transport my yak... even with all the drag, I can get close to 32-35 mpg average (without anything on top I can get 40-43). I keep all my fishing tackle and waders in my trunk with room left over for other things. I can also fit a 7' rod inside without issue. I think the newer models come in a station wagon size which would give you even more room inside. If you have a long commute, this will help! Just a thought

[gafisherman]

Thanks to everyone who replied with their thoughts and ideas. It was really appreciated. My wife and I decided to stay in the Hyundai family and we picked up a 2013 Santa Fe. We have had it for a week now and I love it. It averages 24-27 mpg, which is good for my commute. I also really like having the extra space. The Santa Fe was redesigned this year, and they hit a home run. We test drove a 2010 Santa Fe and this is a completely different vehicle.

I have the roof rails, so I just have to add mounts and my existing yakima crossbars and I'll be all set.

I didn't see any places underneath the vehicle in the front and back to attach my bow and stern tie down lines.

Anybody else have this issue on their vehicle, what did you use.

I'm thinking about one of these straps by Thule:

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...op-strap-_-530

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...op-strap-_-529

I definitely want to use bow and stern lines, the last thing I want is to turn by Hobie Revo into a highway missile!

[DaveFX35]

Thanks to everyone who replied with their thoughts and ideas. It was really appreciated. My wife and I decided to stay in the Hyundai family and we picked up a 2013 Santa Fe. We have had it for a week now and I love it. It averages 24-27 mpg, which is good for my commute. I also really like having the extra space. The Santa Fe was redesigned this year, and they hit a home run. We test drove a 2010 Santa Fe and this is a completely different vehicle.

I have the roof rails, so I just have to add mounts and my existing yakima crossbars and I'll be all set.

I didn't see any places underneath the vehicle in the front and back to attach my bow and stern tie down lines.

Anybody else have this issue on their vehicle, what did you use.

I'm thinking about one of these straps by Thule:

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...op-strap-_-530

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...op-strap-_-529

I definitely want to use bow and stern lines, the last thing I want is to turn by Hobie Revo into a highway missile!

I use those quickloops on my Infiniti FX35 to avoid paint contact and they work great! I bolted one inside the engine bay between a fender bolt and use the handle style for the hatch.

[Aesiegel]

i bought a honda ridgeline last year. it has a big compartment in the bed where i store all my fishing gear and its lockable.

+1 on the Honda Ridgeline. Comfortable for 5 passengers, easy yak loading and decent milage.

[Pinch]

The bow and stern lines aren't necessary. I drove a Nissan sentra before the truck with issue using no bow or stern lines.

[MetroMan]

+1 for not using bow & stern lines. I understand the added safety, but I've done fine without them. I use my foam blocks on my factory crossbars to transport my yak right side up. (Could go inverted directly on the bars as well). Three of us chipped in on a Yakima stacker to transport multiple yaks when we car pool as well.

04 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[ILV2F5H]

gafisherman - I used to load my yaks on a Mazda MPV van using J racks and although I could manage by myself, it is definitely a 2-person job. This year I purchased a roof rack for my TSX and loading is so much easier. Loading the yak on the van in the past made me hesitate to even fish because it was such a hassle. I guess I was spoiled since Meado always had his pickup truck whenever we fished together.

Also have you guys seen the Hullavator by Thule? Thoughts? I know I couldn't spend that much.

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...avator-_-897xt

I always felt paranoid when not using the bow and stern lines. Thanks for the reassurance Pinch and Metro. Does it matter if its windy out?

[imagine29028]

Also have you guys seen the Hullavator by Thule? Thoughts? I know I couldn't spend that much.

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...avator-_-897xt

I always felt paranoid when not using the bow and stern lines. Thanks for the reassurance Pinch and Metro. Does it matter if its windy out?

That thing would be awesome and crucial for a Pro Angler....loading capacity is only 75lbs though.

[Pinch]

gafisherman - I used to load my yaks on a Mazda MPV van using J racks and although I could manage by myself, it is definitely a 2-person job. This year I purchased a roof rack for my TSX and loading is so much easier. Loading the yak on the van in the past made me hesitate to even fish because it was such a hassle. I guess I was spoiled since Meado always had his pickup truck whenever we fished together.

Also have you guys seen the Hullavator by Thule? Thoughts? I know I couldn't spend that much.

http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...avator-_-897xt

I always felt paranoid when not using the bow and stern lines. Thanks for the reassurance Pinch and Metro. Does it matter if its windy out?

Doesn't matter if its windy. Make sure your straps are right and you are good.