I'd actually suggest a different approach - honestly, those expensive gutter mounts can be a bit of a headache if you're constantly taking the hardtop off. I started out with a similar setup but found it way too tedious for my weekend trips. Instead, I went with a more budget-friendly and flexible route that's worked out reallyyy well for my two 12ft boats.

Basically, I ended up getting the Hooke Road Jeep Wrangler JK Hard Top Roof Rack Cross Bars which usually run under $200. They're super solid at highway speeds! To keep things cheap but secure, I paired them with two sets of TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier which you can find for like $40-50 a set.

Total cost was way under ur $600 budget, maybe around $300 total? It's been pretty sturdy and I didnt have to drill anything. Plus, I saved enough cash for a better paddle lol. Just my two cents, but you dont always gotta spend the full budget to get a setup that actually works!!

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sooo i caught this thread a bit late but honestly, looking at the market research for Jeep-specific setups, you really gotta be careful with those fiberglass gutters... like seriously. I've spent way too much time comparing these specs and for two 12-foot boats, the weight capacity is your biggest hurdle.

Check out the Rhino-Rack Backbone Mounting System for Jeep Wrangler JL 4dr if you want the gold standard for stability without a full cage. It reinforces the hardtop from the inside so the weight actually sits on the body tub, not just the fiberglass. It's a bit more of an investment than basic bars, but i mean, it prevents that highway whistle and the terrifying 'crack' sound.

Pro tip: You might find this useful—there's a great resource at RackAttack or eTrailer where you can filter by 'dynamic weight rating.' Most people forget that a rack rated for 150lbs 'static' might only handle 100lbs when you're hitting bumps at 70mph!

If you're worried about height, I'd suggest looking into the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier. It's highkey expensive and might blow your $800 budget if you buy it new, but it lowers the boat by like 3 feet so you aren't killing your back. If that's too pricey, the Yakima JayLow J-Style Kayak Carrier is a solid middle-ground that's super easy to fold down when you're not using it. Just make sure to use bow and stern tie-downs every single time!! gl! 👍

Watch out for those fiberglass gutters cuz they really aren't meant for heavy lateral loads. Quick question tho—are you planning to DIY the install? Honestly, in my experience, two 12-footers on a tall Jeep is a lot of weight.

- Gutter mounts can slip or crack the top
- Highway wind drag is a beast
- Lifting them up there is tough

Just wanna know how handy you are before I suggest anything too crazy lol!

tbh I had a TERRIBLE experience with basic gutter mounts on my Jeep. One actually slipped at highway speeds and cracked my fiberglass... literally my worst nightmare. If you’re hauling two heavy boats, safety is everything. I honestly think u should look into frame-mounted cage systems instead. Theyre way more STABLE than gutter clips, and trust me, replacing a hardtop costs way more than a solid rack setup.

Honestly, for a $600-$800 budget, just grab the Rhino-Rack Vortex SG Roof Rack for Jeep Wrangler JK/JL with some Thule Hull-a-Port XT Kayak Rack carriers. It's super sturdy and easy to pull off tho!!