Don't know if you can do this,.... but I would try affixing a large pad on the top of car that allows another piece to Velcro onto it, then lay the kayak on top of that. thus preventing scratching.

I would tie front and back of kayak to the car bumpers[if possible] Maybe consider a locking tie down strap at the middle of kayak and tighten it after running the strap through the car, either front or back door, turn the strap sideways and allows front or back door to shut on it on both sides of car. Slightly open window will work if not raining, one could just tie a good rope to the kayak seat and over the top then run it through slightly rolled down windows [front or back] and back to other side of kayak seat and tie down hard as needed.

yeah thats kinda what i am doing. i strap it to both bumpers and one through the back windo. i was almost thinking about putting some kind of one sided sticky felt on the part of the kayak that is scratching. i just dident know if there is some kind of roof rack that atches to the doors or windos.

Hmm...I was thinking since you referred  to your car as a "lame Ford Focus", just don't worry about the scratches. Enjoy the fishing! I've never tried a kayak, sounds like fun.
                                                   

i would but i live in michigan and all the salt on the road during winter is going to eat my roof up. you should try it its a blast and i like it because you can get into some pritty cool places that you cant with a normal boat. i just dont like when i get a pike. all those teeth a little to close to the old boys

I used to carry a kayak on the Ford Escort I used to have, I bought a Yakima rack for the roof. Try Yakima and Thule for racks. Now, the downside is that these items are not inexpensive, you can easily spend $300 or more for a rack but it would be a good rack. Don't know what prices would be now, I haven't checked in a long time. Check in kayak related websites for other possibilities. Good luck and good fishing.

Was in Walmart today in the Sporting Goods Section. Was in the area where there are boat plugs, boat seat stands, dip nets, and other fishing/boat accessories.

There in a complete package is a Car kayak carrier. $36.96 /// Made by Seasense two racks and foam rubber to put under the racks to prevent scratching. Shows the kayak upright instead of upside down however, and I think there maybe some rope in package too. If not the pack shows how to tie the kayak on car.

Good Luck.

thanks everyone

Hey, that sounds like a good idea that scasteel has!  

I don't have a yak now but I may check that out just out of curiosity.

allen I’m telling you man it’s great. I recommend it to everyone it does take a little getting used to but once you do it’s a whole new fishing experience. I mean it’s a little more work getting from place to place but you can get into a lot of places that normal boats can’t get close to. But definitely try before you buy.

So I found this little gem. “Malone HandiRack™ Roof Rack” About to order it in the next couple days it sounds like its pretty good. Got some good reviews so I’ll give it a shot. Ill post back when it’s nice enough to take it out.

Bassman, I bought the HandiRack last year. If you use it keep a rag in your car and be VERY SURE you wipe your roof down or the inflatable racks will scratch your roof. It's pretty easy to use, but be sure you strap the kayak to the front and back of your car, too. 55 mph was the max speed I went with my kayak on (road speeds I travel on are 50 mph max - never been on the highway with it). To tell you the truth, I drive a Prius and a Toyota Matrix (Corolla hatchback) and now I just fold the seats down, including the front seat and just slide the kayak into the car on top of a 9'by 4' painting tarp. My kayak is only 10feet 6 inches and only sticks out two feet so I put a red flag on it and latch the hatch door down and off I go. No more over the head lifts for this middle aged guy. Good luck!

Yeah I'll be shere to clean it. my yak is 12" and I have a ford focus hatch back. I don't know think it would fit in there

Happy fishing

Bassman

I’m a little bummed one of the tubes is losing air on my first trip out.