FRONT END CANOE TIE DOWN SUGGESTIONS

That’s why I suggested that 3m tape. More affordable than an arb bumper haha. But those hood loops would be worth a shot for you as well.

 

With what you've pictured as your current setup, and answering the direct question you've posed...

Perhaps this is the least costly option (the tie downs *would* scratch the deflector, but not your hood.)

 

I had considered one of these as well but read of enough people claiming that those deflectors themselves wore the paint, that I shy’d away from that option in favor of the 3m stuff.

 

My truck doesn't have a wind deflector, but my old subaru does. The deflector came with small transparent, self-adhesive squares, that get affixed to the hood (and line up underneath the rubber bumbers on the underside of the deflector.) The hood on my subaru isn't scratched at all.

Good luck. Let us know what you end up doing.

 

I’ve always used a climbing sling (sewn webbing loop) around the radiator bracing and then out under the hood. Remember this fastening point is only supposed to be snug, not banjo-string tight. I do have a soft cloth I tuck between the hood and bow-line to keep it from scratching the paint. Sorry for the bad pics.

 

I've got these Yakima BowStern tie downs; the two silicone tubes go over the rope and sit at the pinchpoint over your grille. Haven't had any problem with them and they are super easy to use.

 

This?

 

I like this better than the one I had found, mine had a little grommet that mounted with an existing screw on either side of the engine bay, but the grommet tore through the webbing with minimal ratcheting of the strap.

 

I was just looking at the ones with the grommets. I'm glad you mentioned that little fact about the grommet pulling through.

 

I made my own;
https://paddling.com/learn/diy-handy-tie-down-loops/
They live under there flipped down.

 

I imagine if you're using it as apparently intended (no ratchet straps) the grommet might hold up fine, but as I mentioned earlier I use ratchet straps all around and have my reason for doing so

 

Put a front hitch on

If you don't mind it hanging out, something like the

$216 curt 31075 2" front receiver hitch, select toyota tacoma

curt 31075, if you want hidden something like a mobtown front recovery bar.

 

I used hood loops and ratchet tie downs to secure my kayak to a ladder rack. Drove 750 miles round trip to south lake tahoe at hwy speeds with zero issues. Used my beer cozy’s as rope isolators on the tie downs to protect paint from scuffs.

 

I made my own hood loops like the Thule Quick Loops For the sides. Also made two loops that loop around the frame behind the grill on each side of the hood latch for up front. A sock with holes in the toes works well for them to slip through where they might rub or buffet.

I’m more concerned with your roof though honestly.

 

If you are using pool noodles on the roof are the only real tie downs your forward and rear?
If so I’d be concerned about depending on those hood loops as your sole forward anchor, cause then you’re either depending on a screw/ grommet system or those rubber loops pulling under the hood sheet metal, either of which may be fine as a spot support or backup in case of primary tie down failure, but I wouldn’t trust that as a primary tie down, you’re better off going over the front and to the frame, and protecting the paint somehow. 3m, deflector, sock, shop wrag, anything.

 

Noodle the parts that rub?

 

Do the noodles rub against the roof?

 

Easy, get a pool noodle for your pool noodle ha

 

OP should probably think about getting roof rack for the new rig when he can.
But I definitely empathize with the need to be budget friendly. So yeah, just protect your paint and tie to the frame up front for now.

 

Or at least throw a strap through the rear doors and up over the boat..

Had a buddy lose his canopy while carrying two canoes, wind caught them and ripped the whole thing off and flipped it into the ditch.. not cool. Good reason to have bow/stern lines and multiple mounted straps.