I currently have a Lexus 330 (SUV) that I use. The boat fits fine, but the rigs (which I like to carry flat against the celing) are so long that they take up all of the room from the windshield to the rear window (intruding on the "front seat" occupants' space. The exterior of this car is large, but "styling" (extreme rake of windshield and a highly curved roofline) yield less interior space than some "shorter" cars. Which family vehicle (no trucks) works the best? Which should be avoided?

Winston Mathews

Winston,
I am sure there are several, However, considering you have a Lexus I would suggest looking at the GMC Acadia online.

Dealer word is that they will have them on the lot around the middle of January. I have a pending sale for one of the dealer's initial order. He ordered what I want which is easily sold. Pricing is not detailed yet but a loaded one is about 40k.

I choose the car when discovered pending from GMC over the Yukon and Yukon XL Denali (truck SUVs). The Acadia has a long wheelbase, roomy seating for 7 or 8, AWD, 275 horse V6 with 6-speed autotrans, StableTrak and 17/24 on the road. It is reported to have 86" from the rear hatch to the back of the front seats. Look into all the details for there is a lot to read. I have the brochure which has more features information and items than on their crummy website. All check the Blogs for more.
If it pans out on the lot and drive, fine. If not I am back to the Denali for a good ride and lots of bells and whistles.Cheers.


...94

Winston, going on another "tack" with what's the best car for hauling and EC12". My 2003 Honda EX Civic works for us. I can carry the boat, four rig (in cloth bags) chairs, all the 'stuff' we need in our tool kits, cooler (or Coleman type refrigerator), on and on. Traveled this fall for 7 weeks with boat and gear, plus luggage for wife and I. Only complaint was my wife was some what limited by what should could pack. Only one large duffel bag and hanging bag for her. Plus we got about 36 miles per gallon on our 2800 mile trip to Maryland, came back thru the Blue Ridge Mts (Ashville, N.C) on home to Southeast Florida. Hey, it's not a Lexus but works for us. Dick Reinke, Tequesta, Fl

options are numerous......and depending on what you want to spend.....

what are your requirments outside of rigs flat against the roof

I think a Peterbilt model 379 would fit the bill. Check www.peterbilt.com for the sleeper model that would haul all our boats.

I think a Peterbilt model 379 would fit the bill. Check www.peterbilt.com for the sleeper model that would haul all our boats

Hey Jack - what about ordering a couple for USA09 - would make mighty fine home away from home[:p][:p]

Chris
NZL1 Longtack
NZL110 Swept Away NZL128 Ketch me if U Can

well if your gonna go that big.....I have a bus for sale

I think you are all missing the point.
What Winston and Rick did not say was:

Winston - I also have a bad back and share my vehicle with a very large dog. I need a vehicle that will keep the dog away from the sails etc.

Rick - I need all that space so I can include the " International Trophy" that I recently won. (congradulations). I also carry a large tool box, and a "J" boat and other items that I need because I am so far from home.

Some peole just use a Mini-Cooper.

Carl

Winston, you should talk to Ed Gelina about his new Volvo wagon.

Joe Walter #24

Bah, here's how....
[:D]

The best car to haul an EC12 is a car made here in America. In my opinion, anyone who drives a foreign car is unpatriotic and unable to see what they are doing to the US economy. Discussion of reliability and quality will fall on my deaf ears. Do not respond to me as I will not answer. This is my opinion.

Frank Vella

"When the cannon fires, harden up, tack or get out of my way"

If you leave out the dog and the J boat, I haul 3-EC 12's with 2 added passengers and all the gear in my Dodge Grand Caravan. Or If you want to sail a big boat to; then I carry a Wheeler, an EC12 one passenger with room for tools and "road ales". Good Van that Dodge. and 22 mpg at 80 too[:)]

Check out the Chrysler Pacifica. Lots of room for 2 people, boat, sail box. If youi want a third person, that works too.

My wife's Pontiac Grand Am. Works great.

Mike Denest
EC12 #899