Another problem is the front tie down! They don't have a bumper up
front. Only plastic parts, that would bend if I tried to wrap a rope
over them to get to the underside.

To tie the bow line off, with no real front bumper, people mount short
loops
of straps that stick out from inside the engine compartment, between the
hood and fender on each side.
I've seen them sold commercially at Canoecopia.

Jim

Ketter Canoeing in Minneapolis also sells the straps your talking about.
They work great.