Jackson Cuda 12 Lands in Nor Cal!

Hey Jim, unfortunately you have a point about the seat but I think its a small price to pay for the comfort you gain.

Those boats are sweet looking! 

My only concern, and this may have already been addressed and if so I apologize, is the seat...looks super comfy but like it might not hold up to being pummeled around in the surf if you come in for a rough crash landing?

What's your take on that Dan?

Thanks!!

 

THe boat handles the surf pretty decent, but I can see your point about getting things wrong. I have yet to get trashed in the surf with one yet, but the seat has held up pretty well for what I do in the Rivers. IMO comfort far out ways any issues of durability.

Sincerely,

Jim

Cool.

Thanks fellas!

I really like the boats that have that easily accessed "rodpod like" hatch to be able to shove fins and gun (and hopefully big fat fish) into....and would like to start thinking about getting a yak that is lighter and easier for me to carry around by myself than my T15, but still covers distance well and is nice and stable for my big fat butt.

 

Thanks again!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Interesting - I never thought about what would happen to the seat if you crashed going in or out.  I haven't attempted any significant surf launches as I know others have - but can attest the Cuda handles the job better than my previous kayak.  Time will tell - hopefully ill never have to figure that out

Interesting - I never thought about what would happen to the seat if you crashed going in or out.  I haven't attempted any significant surf launches as I know others have - but can attest the Cuda handles the job better than my previous kayak.  Time will tell - hopefully ill never have to figure that out

I have wiped out pretty good even in mild surf, so that is why I asked....

This is an example of what can happen even at a sheltered spot like SWS if you botch the landing...

Nice job Hotplate!!   

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Nice; got a good chuckle on that one as I know that scenario to well!  The names not WipeOuT for nothing

Ha! Classic. Poor Hotplate. I'm glad you still have that picture handy. I never get tired of seeing. I wish I would have got it on video. Still makes me laugh, awesome.

Ha! Classic. Poor Hotplate. I'm glad you still have that picture handy. I never get tired of seeing. I wish I would have got it on video. Still makes me laugh, awesome.

I was over at his house for his bday a few weeks ago and that picture came up in conversation...so I did a little search and found the report and pic:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=28555.0

That was back in the day when you used to be a diving shellback. 

 

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

 

  I too like the different multi-colors, but my concern is the seat as well.  It looks to be quite elevated.  How does it's height affect center of gravity?  Because it's up a bit, is the hull a more tippy?  Other than missing the hobie drive system,( ) they are nice looking kayaks!

  I too like the different multi-colors, but my concern is the seat as well.  It looks to be quite elevated.  How does it's height affect center of gravity?  Because it's up a bit, is the hull a more tippy?  Other than missing the hobie drive system,( ) they are nice looking kayaks!

Thats always the first thing people think when they see the seat in the high position. The seat goes high and low, so if you in rough water or paddling in wind you just drop it down low and its elevated about 1/2" off the deck of the kayak, the one of the coolest things about the kayak is being able to have the high seat. Like this morning I was paddling flat water and fishing for bass. With the high seat and polerized lenses I was able to see fish I would not have other wise been able to see. The stability of the kayak is amazing. The hard chines run far up into the bow and stern which adds a lot of volumne to the sides making for a super stable flatform. The other thing Jackson does is they make the standing area super wide so you can spread your feet far apart for stand up fishing. I caught 6 fish this AM and every one was while standing. And the very best part about the Cuda that its a kayak 

Will post pics and trip report later today of my maiden voyage.

I was at Headwaters this past Friday to check out the new cuda. What an awesome kayak, can't wait to take one out fishing. All the color schemes look great too. Might have to add one to the fleet next year. Thanks Dan.