Reddit reviews Seattle Sports Sherpak Hood Loops (Pair) - Under Hood Anchor Point for Tie Downs

Look into getting something like these and tie the knot around them instead.

I use these for my kayaks, but also not concerned with them rubbing the paint on my 06. They just fold under the hood when not using them. https://www.amazon.com/Built-U-S-Sherpak-Hood-Loops/dp/B0024ALDMS

Hello fellow 'yaker! Greetings from the frozen plains of Iowa. One tip I have: I got a pair of hood tie downs like this: Seattle Sports Built USA Sherpa Hood Loops (Pair) - Under Hood Anchor Point for Tie Downs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NyJxCb2WCCZXS

Find a bolt that goes into the body near the hood line. Then the straps stick between the hood and the body. I tuck them out of the way under the hood when not in use. Looks cleaner and doesn't rub on the paint at all when attached to the front of the kayaks. Happy trails ✌️

Nice truck! I got myself a pair of these a while back so my straps weren't rubbing...

Seattle Sports 078000 Sherpak Hood Loops, Pair (Black) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-1FBDb4Q6TRWF

Might be worth checking out in your case!

On my old car I used tow hooks. On my current vehicle, I use the tow hitch in back and there is a part of the grill I can loop around that includes the frame. I would not suggest just a piece of the body, definitely go for the frame where ever you can get to it.

Hood loops are a good and inexpensive option for the front. Use a bolt inside the hood then just pull them out or tuck them in when using or not.

There is a way (though not so easy) to haul kayaks on your JK - to address some of your concerns:

For easy bow line connection point - this might work
They mount under the hood and flip under the hood when not in use...

For the kayak/canoe to be on the roof - I've seen a configuration where:
There was a square tube mount that mounted directly the the sides of the windshield and the rear set of cross bars was actually a T rack that was mounted on the hitch...the windshield mount looked something like this, but I recall it bolted directly to the sides of the windshield in the factory holes...thinking more about it, I don't think it was a JK. The rear looked like this

As for seats soaking up mud...Its a Jeep! ;-)....maybe consider neoprene seat covers?

You will need to attach something to tie the line on the front of the vehicle with. Pop the hood, unbolt a bolt, and boot it back down but with the loop in it. You need a tie to the back and front of the yak as well as two along the roof.

Edit: these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0024ALDMS/ref=oh_aui_i_sh_post_o1_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Check these out for more tie-down points:

Sherpak Hood Loops

Hood/Trunk Tie down Loops

Also, as others have said, you should look into a roof rack with stacker bars.

i use the goalpost thing in the back off my hitch receiver. and i use the foam blocks on the cab roof. it works well for me. i tie the front down using something like this it keeps everything tidy.

Also curious where you attach in the front. I got these, which I think will be perfect for my paddleboard...if it ever gets delivered.

https://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Built-U-S-Hood-Loops/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=hood+loops&qid=1557702207&s=gateway&sr=8-3

These have been awesome for me so far. It's ridiculous how useful something so simple can be.

Edit: Actually the pictures down show how these work. Here's a video that explains it better.

I have one about half way up on each side of the hood of my car (I have convenient bolts there) - I find that two tie downs at the front make it easier to see if anything is moving above my head as well as being more stable. I had an accident last year involving a failed rack and a 15 ft long yak, so I take the kind of care that someone who learned a lesson takes.

I highly recommend something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0024ALDMS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522112820&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hood+canoe+straps&dpPl=1&dpID=41P7694VwpL&ref=plSrch

I use these for bow and stern lines and I have two of these bolted down under the hood of my truck (one on each side) as you can see here. I just direct hook in the back of the truck bed.
Just remember that they are just there to hold the boat in place while braking or accelerating, they are also good for keeping the boat in place during wind. That being said, don't crank them down as you can damage the boat.

As far as dragging your boat I don't recommend dragging it more than you have to. I will drag mine up onto the beach or on grass a bit to move it but if I am transporting it more than a few feet I pick it up.

Yes as long as your ropes and straps are tied off correctly. I recommend these straps in con junction with that kit.

Built U.S.A. Sherpak Hood Loops (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oRUMzbPXKMCJD

Hell yeah! I'm going to pick up a set of these cheaper ones.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MUSFDb5W4R8MX

Thanks for the suggestion!

Get yourself some hood loops and make the world a better place for everyone.