What's the best SCUBA car?

[agilis]

The best scuba car, in my opinion and since you asked, would be a vintage Singer. If you can't find one, a good substitute might be a BMW Isetta or a Messerschmitt Trike.

One cautionary note: BMW Isettas have no reverse gear. If you park head in against a wall, you may be trapped, unable to get out of the car. The door and windscreen are essentially the front end; the steering wheel is hinged and the shift is floor mounted, motorcycle style.

If you insist on a larger vehicle, check out the Renault Dauphine. It has a classy dual horn, with a loud 'country' position and a more restrained 'city' setting.

 

[Thalassamania]

You could always get a Gogomobile.

 

[Ben_ca]

My 2004 Honda Element gets a consistent 25 MPG ... and that's doing a lot of driving in Seattle area traffic ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Bob,
How about some pictures of your ride loaded with gear

 

[wontbslow]

I'm partial to my 2003 Nissan Quest mini van. I do occasionally use it for other things besides diving -- like carrying passengers. Like all newer vans, it has a sliding mid-body door on both sides for ease of hauling gear out of it from either side.

Don't laugh. Its paid for.

I won't laugh. Mini vans are hugely practical. And I'm sure my two young daughters would LOVE all the room, but I want something off-road capable to take on the beach, trails, etc. But if I could get past the whole "soccer mom" stigma, I might consider one. But I can't.

 

[wontbslow]

My 2004 Honda Element gets a consistent 25 MPG ... and that's doing a lot of driving in Seattle area traffic ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

You're right, that's not bad at all. And I don't envy you having to drive in Seattle traffic. Makes me glad I don't live there anymore. lol!

 

[wontbslow]

One cautionary note: BMW Isettas have no reverse gear. If you park head in against a wall, you may be trapped, unable to get out of the car.

Yeah, that would be pretty much a deal breaker for me. lol! Although I'd get a good workout pushing that thing out from a parking spot.

 

[Jorbar1551]

i took my 98 sable down...it worked perfect except for the dog throw up in the back seat.

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

Someone tell me if I'm doing this right...

For the Element, (Here is where I get the specs I'm using.)

GVWR = 4450#

Curb Weight = 3567#

So the difference is 883#

Minus 100# for gas and stuff (6# / gal. * 16 Gal - 96# for gas). Or is gas included in Curb Weight? I don't think it is.

Leaves 787# for cargo, including passengers.

That's about 390# each for two divers and gear, right?

For the weight of each diver, let's assume a nice round figure ( ) of 200#.

So each diver could bring along about 190# of gear. Should be do-able.

If you wanted to take three divers, each diver could bring about 60# of gear. Ouch.

If you had a four-man team, you'd better snorkel.

 

[Wayward Son]

The very best scuba car is whatever your friend is driving when he shows up to take you diving

 

[CrazyScuba]

Hey wontbslow
I travel locally with a lot of gear, cameras, computers and regulators and some of it is so east for someone to walk off with. I have had both a truck and a SUV and a SUV is my choice over a truck because it allows for you to lock up your gear between dives or when you stop to eat or get gas.
Britt :fish:
:fish: