:I would like
: something more attractive than eye-bolts at the kayak ends so that I can
: run lines to the bumpers when I cartop it. Is there attractive hardware or
: other method to allow attaching of lines to the bow and stern?

Boat supply stores sell chrome eyes for anything from a rowboat to a yacht. Prices vary by size.

I've always thought an eyebolt was neat and effective, particularly if you used stainless steel or brass eyebolts.

Canvas covered canoes usually have a brass strip running down the keel or sole of the canoe to protect the fabric from some scratches. I have seen this strip brought up along the bow, and bent down to run about 5 inches on the deck. At the fold, where the brass strip makes the transition from hull to deck, there frequently sits a brass "D" ring, which is held in place by the brass strip and the screws that hold that strip on.

I have seen heavier brass formed into a handle which attaches with screws to the deck and bow. If you can't find that, consider using the brass lifting handle from a window.

Screw through the canvas and into the wood frame parts that are underneath. When you attach the parts you might consider putting on some kind of gasketing sealant to resist intrusion of water: A few dabs of paint, a light coat of rubber cement, or a pea-sized drop of caulking compound put between the hardware and the skin will squeeze down a bit to give a nice seal. Dipping the screws in a bit of paint before driving them in will help seal them in their holes, too.

hope this helps

PGJ