My Perception Striker 11.5 weighs 70 pounds bare. I don't enjoy lifting it on top of my Nissan Murano every time I take it out, but it is doable. I can't even begin to imagine lifting a 100 lb kayak that high.

If I were in that situation I would have to seriously consider a trailer. Or just hang it out the [censored]-end of your SUV.

As for front and rear straps, they aren't technically necessary. I use mine strictly as a safety measure, pulled just tight enough to not be loose, but they're not supposed to be holding your kayak on.

If you need a method for securing a rear strap, you might consider getting a hood loop and running it up through the top of your rear hatch, then securing your rear strap to that.

They make them specifically for adding straps to your hood when you're missing a front hook, no reason you can't use one on your trunk.

13$ at academy.
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/yak-gear-ez-loops-1-pair

It's conversations like this that make me glad I have a truck. I couldn't imagine lifted a kayak over and over onto the top of any vehicle. I wish you all the best of luck in finding something that works out well for you.

Be careful with the harbor freight trailers, I bought a light duty with the thought of making a folding kayak trailer and it wound up only having a speed rating of 45 mph. Make sure you check the speed rating on the trailer before you get it. My thoughts, you are better off buying a jet ski or small boat trailer and adding bars or buying one of the malone kayak trailers if you don't want to build one. Mariner Kayaks is a malone dealer by the way.

Personally I am saving up for a space trailer so I can haul the boats and gear at the same time then take the top off and haul lumber and such to work on the house.

My wife's kayak weighs around 40 pounds and feels like less. I put her's up in my J Hooks since I can lift it so much higher and easier than mine.

I only take my kayak out maybe twice a week so it really isn't all that bad. If you're going more often I could see getting old real quick.

That all being said, I won't pretend like I'm not in the market for a truck.

Look for "hood loops" like these ones: Hood loop


You can run them under the tailgate and it'll give you a tie point. Easy to make with some webbing and pvc too.

I don't like the front and back straps! I don't like anything in front of me flapping in the wind. Plus when you tie them down to your bumper the straps rub on your paint. I also use a bathroom floor mat on the side of my Sequoia. Helps slide the kayak up and no scratch everything up. Don't leave it on the side of your vehicle when driving it wont stay I have to get a new one.
I usually flip the kayak upside down but I wasn't going far. The ratchet straps only get pulled tight, then 2 clicks. You would be fine with pull straps around the middle to. Also if I'm not going to far, then I only put one ratchet strap up front and then the bow and stern are always on.

Hope this helps. Plus you won't have to buy anything extra!!!!