I just bought a 2004 TJ unlimited (my 1st jeep) and in the manual it said not to put anything on the roof. On other cars I've owned I just put on the white foam blocks on the canoe and put it on the roof. Considering the canoe is only 70 lbs and it is supported by 4 foam blocks it is not a lot of weight on the roof.

Has anyone tried this?

 

I have seen regular Jeeps going down the highway like that so I do not see why the unlimited could not.

 

^^ X2 ^^
Strap it down to the bumpers and you should be fine.

 

I pushed on the top to see how much flex there would. Its seems very solid.
I assume jeep puts the disclaimer in the owners manual to wash thier hands of any warrenty issues.
It seems like its the lawyers who write the manuals.

 

Don't see why it would be a problem. Just make sure you have tie downs on the bow/stern AND over the top of the boat. I used to work for an outdoor retailer, and I have seen a number of idiots using only bow/stern tie downs. All it takes is one good gust of cross wind, and the boat ends up tied to the side of the car instead of on top. Not great if it happens on the hwy...

 

I have put a canoe on the roof of my old jeeps and my JK . Used the foam blocks and tied front , back and one across the center just cuz . Have had no problems so far . Should be fine ... my 2 cents , good luck