Hi All,

I'm planning on getting an s2000 and was searching around this forum for information on the best way to transport my surfboard. I realize that the preferred method by many users on this forum is to just toss it in the passenger seat, and I probably will use that method for sunny days, but I have a quick question about the feasibility of another option:

I ride a 6'10" shortboard (and probably will get something shorter in the next few months). What is to keep me from buying some soft racks, running them across the trunk of the car, and strapping the board down widthwise (sortof like a huge spoiler).

My only main concern is how much of the board is hanging off on either side, but according to yahoo autos, the car is 68.9" long, and my board is 82 inches, which means that only 6.5" will be hanging off on either side. (is it possible that the yahoo autos measurement includes the side mirrors?)

According to what I can find on the california vehicle code, there's nothing against the law carrying something that wide. Basically if it extends more than a foot to the left of the vehicle you need to tie a red flag to the end, but according to my calculations I shouldn't be hanging out that far.

soft racks seems like a really simple solution that won't require much modification. Additionally, if you have a much shorter board, you really won't be hanging over the side at all. Am I missing something here about why this is a bad idea?

Thanks,
Adam

 

I dont think it's a bad idea. Heck, slip a few wedges under the back side and create some downforce while you're at it!

Also, you could probably angle the yaw of the board to save a few inches...

If you can tow a boat with the S2000, you should sure as heck be able to slap a surfboard on it!

Then again, all I have to do is throw my snowboard (156 cm) in the front seat and call it a day... Fits like a glove.

Good luck!

 

Why it's a bad idea: You're going to have a surfboard spoiler with red streamers on each side. You can't honestly believe that's a good idea.

The wind resistance, also, may make it more likely to fly off your car and/or bend/damage your trunk. I guess you could add padding to angle it downward like a wing, but as soon as you hit a bump or a wierd patch of air it probably won't work out.

I ride a really small/thin 6'1" and it doesn't fit in the car with the top up.

Maybe you should make friends with someone who owns a beach house, like I did

Anyway, a more reasonable solution would be to use straps instead of a soft rack (it's essentially a soft rack). Not sure if this would cause long-term damage to your soft top frame.

On a side note, if you drive really fast and it's only raining lightly, water doesn't get in the car. Just hope you don't hit any red lights.

 

I think we should develop some kind of rack.
The only way I figured it out, is to wedge my 6'3" on the passenger side, with the top down of course. surprizingly, the board is secure enough, and the turbulences are not too bad. if it's cold, I crank-up the heat, but If it rains, I'm S.O.L.! Luckily, my wife as a jeep.

 

Well, when i DO get the car, and when i do get the surfboard mounted on the trunk, I'll be sure to send along some pics. Any other suggestions or comments are much appreciated.

 

The hope is that I can figure out a simple way to transport the board while still allowing me to use the top (it can get cold here in the winter when the surf is good. As much as I like convertibles, I'm having trouble imagining keeping the top down at 6 am when it's 50 degrees out).

My other crazy idea was to use soft racks on the car door, and strap the board to the door. (the racks would have to be a bit thicker than usual to account for the fins) But I think that would require keeping the windo rolled down, which is less than ideal.

I've seen people strap soft racks to the top of a softtop (I saw it on a miata), but I'd be pretty worried about damaging the top that way.

 

A guy in my area has a bike rack attached to a hitch reciever on his S. I know they make ski holders for those things so perhaps a surf board could be attached. It would look strange sticking up in the air (the rack holds the skis vertical), but it would be secure and not get in the way of the top.

 

Um...I've done it. Beanie + sweater + gloves + heat blasting.

It's not the most comfortable thing in the world, but atleast the water feels warm by comparison (actually, the water still feels cold).

 

I've driven to work plenty of days top down in 45 deg weather with nothing more than a sweatshirt or light jacket, medium heat, and maybe a ballcap. 40 deg starts to get a little chilly.

Of course, the top hardly goes down when its >90 degs out.

 

I think your best bet might be a trailer hitch with some sort of attachment to hold the board. It'll stick up a ways, but it's probably the safest method.