Yes you read correctly. I did this on my spectra. My only other option is get a class 1 hitch and a used jet ski trailer. My girl got me a 54lb 10' kayak for christmas. I have the foam pads that sit on the roof, and ratchet straps, from the old car. Can this be successfully towed on my roof without any damage. Was fine on the Kia, but the 8 has a thinner roof. Thoughts or ideas? Thanks!

 

I'd worry about denting the roof yea. Its very thin on the RX8. Maybe some foam that sticks on the top just to be safe.

 

Yeah. Not sure Id attempt that. Ive noticed the metal on these cars do not appear to be very thick.

 

I recently had an issue using the foam to put some lumber on my VW. I bought a kit for a kayak that I use for a lot of things. The foam focused the weight on my roof in a small area. It didn’t dent the roof but I’m sure it would have. It deformed it for a second when I tried the weight. I put down a moving blanket instead to distribute the weight over a wider area. My VW is not much wider that my RX-8. If you can’t avoid putting it up there I hope this helps.

 

I tried the foAm blocks. If you do not position them just perfectly which is barely behind the front window and a little bit in front of the rear window they will definitely Dent your roof. And I have a light kayak only 54 lb. For one single trip they just felt so unsafe. So for 75 bucks on eBay I found actual roof bars that go across the roof and lock into the doors. Much safer and no chance of denting the roof. It would have been nice if they were Thule, but those things are outrageously priced. Also with the RX8 being such a low vehicle it's a breeze getting the kayak on and off of the roof.