NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Jackson Kayak => Topic started by: racer414 on May 14, 2017, 07:43:16 AM
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Looking forward to giving it a try!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh9XkhCwLLA
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Looks pretty damn cool!!!
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I am so close to pre ordering this kayak. I just want to peddle one first.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
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I am so close to pre ordering this kayak. I just want to peddle one first.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I would highly recommend you try it first.
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I am so close to pre ordering this kayak. I just want to peddle one first.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I would highly recommend you try it first.
I agree, I have beating up the local dealers to find out when they come in. They all say hopefully this month and Jackson echoes this sentiment.
We will see.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
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I am so close to pre ordering this kayak. I just want to peddle one first.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I would highly recommend you try it first.
I agree, I have beating up the local dealers to find out when they come in. They all say hopefully this month and Jackson echoes this sentiment.
We will see.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I agree, you need to try it out. And the other pedal drives on the market too.
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I have tried alot of the pedal drives. I have two issues with all of them.
1. Drives in beaching and shallow situations.
2. Length of boat.
Most of the pedal drives except Hobie Revo 16/AI are short boats and I like the how longer boats track and the stability the provide in big chop..
The other big issue for me is pulling up the drive. If I can do without having to pull it up then the better for me.
I do agree with all the points here, try every boat you can before buying. I have tried more than a few.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
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The Coosa is probably the last JK that I'd want pedal drive for...now, put it on a Kraken and we're talking!
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Most of the pedal drives except Hobie Revo 16/AI are short boats and I like the how longer boats track and the stability the provide in big chop..
I had my Radar 135 in 8-10' @ 7 secs with 3-5 foot cross swell and it was rock solid. I was peeing off it like I was on flat water.
My Tarpon 160 is rock solid too, but not to pee off of in those conditions.
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If the tarpon had a pedal drive that would be 💰.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
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The Coosa is probably the last JK that I'd want pedal drive for...now, put it on a Kraken and we're talking!
It's a different hull design than the original coosa and the coosa HD. Just carries the coosa name
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I am so close to pre ordering this kayak. I just want to peddle one first.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I would highly recommend you try it first.
I agree, I have beating up the local dealers to find out when they come in. They all say hopefully this month and Jackson echoes this sentiment.
We will see.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I believe CCK has one? I know they had one for their demo day recently.
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Hmm I wonder what shop it is at, they were trying to call the Jackson rep because they were not sure if it was going to be in Sac last weekend.
I will give them a call again.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
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The Coosa is probably the last JK that I'd want pedal drive for...now, put it on a Kraken and we're talking!
It's a different hull design than the original coosa and the coosa HD. Just carries the coosa name
10-4, thanks for that! Good to know.
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I am so close to pre ordering this kayak. I just want to peddle one first.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I would highly recommend you try it first.
I agree, I have beating up the local dealers to find out when they come in. They all say hopefully this month and Jackson echoes this sentiment.
We will see.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I believe CCK has one? I know they had one for their demo day recently.
It was at the demo day last Saturday but was not a shop boat. I believe it belonged to their rep. That's why Rob and I recommend folks test a production version, as we both rode it last weekend, but I don't know if that was a production boat or not. I couldn't get over the rather useless reverse. Everything else was "ok".
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I am so close to pre ordering this kayak. I just want to peddle one first.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I would highly recommend you try it first.
I agree, I have beating up the local dealers to find out when they come in. They all say hopefully this month and Jackson echoes this sentiment.
We will see.
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
I believe CCK has one? I know they had one for their demo day recently.
It was at the demo day last Saturday but was not a shop boat. I believe it belonged to their rep. That's why Rob and I recommend folks test a production version, as we both rode it last weekend, but I don't know if that was a production boat or not. I couldn't get over the rather useless reverse. Everything else was "ok".
Can you define useless reverse? Was the prop pitch effecting the speed of reverse? Or reverse was not working?
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
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Can you define useless reverse? Was the prop pitch effecting the speed of reverse? Or reverse was not working?
Sent from my Fish Finding Samsung
The kayak, as made, is not designed to reverse at any sort of speed. The drive is engineered to pop up in shallow water, and not be "locked down". Because of that, when you try to reverse at any speed, it will pop up to zero draft or mid position. According to their rep, that was by design, as they think the shallow water retraction is more important than reverse.
In my experience with pedal drives, the best benefit of reverse is to be able to stop on a dime, then hammer it backwards. This particular yak isn't built to do that. You can reverse slowly. In test riding it, anytime i reversed with any sort of speed, it would pop to zero position.
If you think that a drive automatically popping up to zero draft if you hit the shore or an obstruction is important, the JK would probably do fine. If you're like me and primarily fish deep water lakes (like most of our foothill lakes), then you'll likely only need to pull up the drive once or twice a day.
I also found the gearing to not be to my liking, but that might be because I'm so used to Native's drives. I preferred our drives (biased) and the Wildy PD (unbiased) over the FD. But I always tell people to pick the kayak (in totality), not the drive. These kayaks are all new, so you really need to try them out before buying them blind. Some guys (big, tall guys) aren't a great fit for the Native drives as their legs may end up at awkward angles.
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I don't believe anyone has received the production version yet...
Thoughts on seating position, stability, etc. ???
I've never tried any pedal kayak and I can see the advantage of having reverse, but why would you need to reverse fast? (This is an honest question) I assume Jackson put emphasis on the retractable drive since they seem to cater to river/creek fishing and of course to bring something different to the table.
At least you're admit you're biased 😂
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I was cruising at a modest pace, stopped pedaling, and hit reverse. I did not even hit it hard and the drive popped up. I also just hit reverse from a total stop hard and it popped up. Overall the drive is ok. I am biased towards the Wildy boat/drive of course, but I like the Native/Hurricane also. It is in the gearing I see the difference in all the boats. I have not tried the Predator yet. I felt a little cramped in the Native and Hurricane due to me being 6'2". There is more room in the Radar for sure and Coosa in my opinion.
As far as why you need to hit reverse hard. I was in the American river after the demo day. The flows were pretty high. Maneuvering back and forth in the current I had to hit reverse a lot that day hard to correct my direction due to weird directional flows at times. One example. Another example. Fishing in the ocean with big current and following seas. I used my drive very hard those days at Shelter Cove. Popping up would have been bad. Running down a river and getting pushed into a bank/tree/rock hard reverse is nice for stopping the collision. Trolling a deep lake or drifting fast in the ocean and getting your lure or even worse your down rigger ball snagged. Super hard reverse is a safety issue.. I can go on with why you need hard reverse. I like their zero draft in theory, but in reality I want the drive solid. Wildy zero draft is just the push of a button and it pops up. Honestly not sure how fast the Native can be lifted if need be.
I like all the drives in general that I have tried. Some seem better than others for different reasons. Native/Hurricane is smooth pedaling. Wildy is just a little less smooth than the Native. Jackson takes more effort to get it going and keep it going due to the high gear ratio. More effort to pedal means you get wore out quicker during the day. Native and Wildy have a better, easier gear ratio to use for long days.
This is just my .02. Test them out for yourself.
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I don't believe anyone has received the production version yet...
I'm sure that's accurate but I would recommend test driving a production version before purchasing one sight unseen. The one I tried out may not be as refined as a "production" version.
As for the rest of the stuff, it feels fine, but nothing different than all the other models on the market these days. Stable enough, seating comfortable enough. Nothing that is any better than the other manufacturer's kayaks, more of comparable.
Positives -
Pitch adjustable prop (although that can't be adjusted on the fly)
zero draft/stowing position
Maneuverability - it definitely turned well, better than the Wilderness Radar and most of our boats (except the Titan which turns like a top). But I think of maneuverability as kind of a gimmick, as to be able to turn really well, you have to slow down.
High-Lo seat - I didn't actually try the low position as the rep recommended pedaling it in the high position. But I do like that its an option for people and it seemed solid enough in the high position.
Negatives -
Weight of the kayak - I've had enough of heavy boats, and that's the reason I sold my Slayer Propel 13, which was a great kayak, just too much to deal with off the water. Not being able to easily remove the pedal drive system adds weight to the kayak that can't be removed at the end of the day.
Reverse - Hard reverse is most useful when trying to stop or re-position yourself in the wind or current. I go backwards almost as much as I do forwards, and those who fish around me see that. I see slow reverse as almost irrelevant for most situations, other than backing away from shore
Pedal Power - the 12:1 ratio seemed more difficult to pedal to me, and the drive seemed to have some sort of grinding. But that could be because its a demo boat and has been abused.
Wash -
Everything else. It didn't seem to be quite as fast as my current pedal boat (the Manta Ray Propel) or the Radar, but I don't think that speed difference is significant enough to matter to most people. Seemed easy enough to rig, but the Radar has all that. Don't remember its carry handles, which Wilderness sucks at.
edit: Rudder control - the rudder, not a traditional left right, but a push/pull is not intuitive. This was annoying to me to remember which direction is which, but I'm certain someone would get used to it over time. So this is not a "negative", just something to be aware of for folks interested in switching over from a Hobie/Native for example which have the standard left/right rudder controls.
I could see it as a useful enough river and creek boat, but for the most part those types of water don't need pedals as you're going downstream and don't need the power as much as the maneuverability.
Target audience -
I would say folks that want a nice, stable, kayak and can easily transport it in a pickup bed or trailer would like it, as long as they think that the shallow water retraction is important to them. I can say with honesty that I've never hit my pedal drive on any obstruction hard enough to break the prop, but others have. I wouldn't try to cartop it with the integrated pedal drive system, just seems to be too heavy to deal with on a day to day basis.
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I could have a whole other conversation about reverse and how useful it can be, but that's not specific to this one kayak. I can try to write something up about the benefits some other time but as I haven't done it in 4 years on Native craft I doubt I'll suddenly decide to do it now.
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Pedaling in reverse is the new Ned rig.
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Word is that the issue with reversing that BMB and RacinRob describe will be fixed for the production boats. Hopefully they're out soon.
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The drive popping up is a pre-production issue that has been resolved in the production models.
Identifying issues like this in advance of release is exactly why they sent test mules all over the globe.
Production boats are still a month or two out. I will let everyone know when the official release is scheduled.
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But I think of maneuverability as kind of a gimmick, as to be able to turn really well, you have to slow down.
That's just crazy talk Ben. What exactly do you mean?
-Allen
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But I think of maneuverability as kind of a gimmick, as to be able to turn really well, you have to slow down.
That's just crazy talk Ben. What exactly do you mean?
-Allen
You can't power drift a pedal kayak around a turn to keep speed. Any time you try to turn hard, you lose inertia. I personally like kayaks that track straight better than those that turn tighter. I don't see the point in needing to make a hairpin turn in the types of fishing that I do. It slows my kayak down, I lose momentum, then I have to get back up to speed again.
Of course most of the time I'm fishing I'm either trolling or drifting. I don't bass fish for the most part, where the maneuverability would come in handy. If I need to make a turn, I plan it well out in advance and do it in an arc so my lines don't cross and I can keep my trolling speed up.
That's why "maneuverability" is a gimmick to me. It's just a marketing ploy to sell kayaks, using it as a selling point. For most guys, they could turn just as efficiently by utilizing a "hand paddle" and/or edging, even in a pedal craft, at the same speed. But the manufacturers sell the kayaks with a more maneuverable hull instead of trying to teach their customers better technique, at a general cost to kayak speed and hull efficiency. I've always said that certain things can be taught, but you can never teach a faster hull.
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There's lots more to prop driven kayaks that can be taught, little tricks like how to utilize prop torque to your advantage when turning left, etc. But those are things that the manufacturers should be informing customers about.
None of those have anything to do with the Coosa FD itself so I'll just say I'm glad to hear they're addressing the drive popping up and not stating it as a tradeoff like their sales rep said at a demo day.
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But I think of maneuverability as kind of a gimmick, as to be able to turn really well, you have to slow down.
That's just crazy talk Ben. What exactly do you mean?
-Allen
You can't power drift a pedal kayak around a turn to keep speed. Any time you try to turn hard, you lose inertia. I personally like kayaks that track straight better than those that turn tighter. I don't see the point in needing to make a hairpin turn in the types of fishing that I do. It slows my kayak down, I lose momentum, then I have to get back up to speed again.
Of course most of the time I'm fishing I'm either trolling or drifting. I don't bass fish for the most part, where the maneuverability would come in handy. If I need to make a turn, I plan it well out in advance and do it in an arc so my lines don't cross and I can keep my trolling speed up.
That's why "maneuverability" is a gimmick to me. It's just a marketing ploy to sell kayaks, using it as a selling point. For most guys, they could turn just as efficiently by utilizing a "hand paddle" and/or edging, even in a pedal craft, at the same speed. But the manufacturers sell the kayaks with a more maneuverable hull instead of trying to teach their customers better technique, at a general cost to kayak speed and hull efficiency. I've always said that certain things can be taught, but you can never teach a faster hull.
The part I object with is that you HAVE to slow down to turn really well. With rudders, you need to be moving to turn. The faster you go, the faster you turn.
-Allen
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But I think of maneuverability as kind of a gimmick, as to be able to turn really well, you have to slow down.
That's just crazy talk Ben. What exactly do you mean?
-Allen
You can't power drift a pedal kayak around a turn to keep speed. Any time you try to turn hard, you lose inertia. I personally like kayaks that track straight better than those that turn tighter. I don't see the point in needing to make a hairpin turn in the types of fishing that I do. It slows my kayak down, I lose momentum, then I have to get back up to speed again.
Of course most of the time I'm fishing I'm either trolling or drifting. I don't bass fish for the most part, where the maneuverability would come in handy. If I need to make a turn, I plan it well out in advance and do it in an arc so my lines don't cross and I can keep my trolling speed up.
That's why "maneuverability" is a gimmick to me. It's just a marketing ploy to sell kayaks, using it as a selling point. For most guys, they could turn just as efficiently by utilizing a "hand paddle" and/or edging, even in a pedal craft, at the same speed. But the manufacturers sell the kayaks with a more maneuverable hull instead of trying to teach their customers better technique, at a general cost to kayak speed and hull efficiency. I've always said that certain things can be taught, but you can never teach a faster hull.
The part I object with is that you HAVE to slow down to turn really well. With rudders, you need to be moving to turn. The faster you go, the faster you turn.
-Allen
Sorry if that's what you gleaned from what I said, maybe I phrased it incorrectly from what was in my head when I wrote that. What I meant to imply is that turning slows you down. You definitely turn better when you're moving at speed. So I find it generally useless to turn since it slows me down.
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But I think of maneuverability as kind of a gimmick, as to be able to turn really well, you have to slow down.
That's just crazy talk Ben. What exactly do you mean?
-Allen
You can't power drift a pedal kayak around a turn to keep speed. Any time you try to turn hard, you lose inertia. I personally like kayaks that track straight better than those that turn tighter. I don't see the point in needing to make a hairpin turn in the types of fishing that I do. It slows my kayak down, I lose momentum, then I have to get back up to speed again.
Of course most of the time I'm fishing I'm either trolling or drifting. I don't bass fish for the most part, where the maneuverability would come in handy. If I need to make a turn, I plan it well out in advance and do it in an arc so my lines don't cross and I can keep my trolling speed up.
That's why "maneuverability" is a gimmick to me. It's just a marketing ploy to sell kayaks, using it as a selling point. For most guys, they could turn just as efficiently by utilizing a "hand paddle" and/or edging, even in a pedal craft, at the same speed. But the manufacturers sell the kayaks with a more maneuverable hull instead of trying to teach their customers better technique, at a general cost to kayak speed and hull efficiency. I've always said that certain things can be taught, but you can never teach a faster hull.
The part I object with is that you HAVE to slow down to turn really well. With rudders, you need to be moving to turn. The faster you go, the faster you turn.
-Allen
Sorry if that's what you gleaned from what I said, maybe I phrased it incorrectly from what was in my head when I wrote that. What I meant to imply is that turning slows you down. You definitely turn better when you're moving at speed. So I find it generally useless to turn since it slows me down.
Well, I don't agree on maneuverability being a gimmick either, but wanted to make sure your statement wasn't based on the belief that you have to slow down to be able to turn really well. Of course it is a balance. I've been on kayaks that didn't want to turn and just stuck a straight line. I've been on kayaks that didn't want to track and just wandered all the time. I think it is important to have both tracking and maneuverability, way more important than having one or the other.
-Allen
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I don't bass fish for the most part
Ex-BassmanBen :smt003
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Maneuverability is not a gimmick. White water boats are very maneuverable...for functionality. Same with any river boat. My classic Coosa is super maneuverable...its a river boat and it needs to be. Does all that rocker make it slow? Of course it does. Does it matter in a fast river? Not at all. Does all that rocker make it turn on a dime so I can dodge a strainer? YES IT DOES!
If I want to go fast and straight I have a boat for that application as well.
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I just wanted to post for anyone who cares. I just got off the phone with Jackson and they have already addressed the reverse issue and are currently making the prop drive more quiet and the kayak should be shipping at the end of next week. I was concerned by all the posts on here as well as the comments on my introduction about buying a kayak without having tested it. I am still a little nervous but I am definitely far less nervous having spoke to them about the boat. When I finally get the boat I will post some first impressions but seeing as I have absolutely zero experience with kayaks there is nothing for me to compare to.
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Just another friendly update. I still don't have a coosa fd! :smt013 Spoke to Jackson directly and they said they were waiting on the drives to return and were hoping to start shipping at the end of the month. I am losing faith quickly and a Hobie is sounding more and more like a viable option with each delay.
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Excellent News, Coosa FD starts shipping on Monday. Sincere apologies for the wait, but I promise it will be worth it.
thanks,
Greg Didriksen
Jackson Kayak, Western territory Sales Manager
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That is great news. It sounds like I don't have to wait much longer. Thanks for the update.
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Excellent News, Coosa FD starts shipping on Monday. Sincere apologies for the wait, but I promise it will be worth it.
thanks,
Greg Didriksen
Jackson Kayak, Western territory Sales Manager
Two problems. One, I still have no kayak. According to Jackson this is because the drive system was shipping Monday until Trump made his UN speech at which time China put a hold on all shipments. I get that. My second problem is the fact that I was blatantly lied to by The seller of the kayak in that I was told the boat was entirely made in the USA while the competitors were made in china and thus inferior. Though not exactly false in there sales pitch, the boat is made in the USA but the integral drive system that is most likely to fail is in fact made in china. It just seems a bit shady to bash everyone else for utilizing china and then push a kayak that in fact has its hand in china. I figured I would bring this to your attention being the Western Sales Manager.
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Excellent News, Coosa FD starts shipping on Monday. Sincere apologies for the wait, but I promise it will be worth it.
thanks,
Greg Didriksen
Jackson Kayak, Western territory Sales Manager
Two problems. One, I still have no kayak. According to Jackson this is because the drive system was shipping Monday until Trump made his UN speech at which time China put a hold on all shipments. I get that. My second problem is the fact that I was blatantly lied to by The seller of the kayak in that I was told the boat was entirely made in the USA while the competitors were made in china and thus inferior. Though not exactly false in there sales pitch, the boat is made in the USA but the integral drive system that is most likely to fail is in fact made in china. It just seems a bit shady to bash everyone else for utilizing china and then push a kayak that in fact has its hand in china. I figured I would bring this to your attention being the Western Sales Manager.
That's unfortunate. From my understanding, all of the major kayak companies have drives that, at a minimum, have a significant number of components sourced from overseas. That's just the way of the world these days.
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I was curious if Hobie who claims to be made in the USA is outsourcing the Mirage Drive. Components are one thing as I am sure that a piece here or there is not ideal but I can live with. It was my Understanding that the entire upper unit that detaches with the pedals is made in China. Seems like no mater how hard you try to by USA there seems to always be a caveat.
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Well good news is they finally started shipping monday
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Well good news is they finally started shipping monday
Oh the lies! Seriously though, I got my Kayak on December 23rd and it came in a week or so before that. Only reason I got it was I ditched the forest color for article upon an unnamed employees tip that it would ship immediately. Still took a few more weeks after that but whatever. Fish finder was installed tonight and it will be loaded up for its maiden voyage on Thursday. Its a nice boat. See how it does on the lake in a few days. Would have gone out sooner but the holidays, fly fishing on new years day and the rain have all seemed to get in the way. Throw in waiting on a pfd that took forever to get here and I have had a very expensive garage toy. More to come Thursday.
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Well good news is they finally started shipping monday
Oh the lies! Seriously though, I got my Kayak on December 23rd and it came in a week or so before that. Only reason I got it was I ditched the forest color for article upon an unnamed employees tip that it would ship immediately. Still took a few more weeks after that but whatever. Fish finder was installed tonight and it will be loaded up for its maiden voyage on Thursday. Its a nice boat. See how it does on the lake in a few days. Would have gone out sooner but the holidays, fly fishing on new years day and the rain have all seemed to get in the way. Throw in waiting on a pfd that took forever to get here and I have had a very expensive garage toy. More to come Thursday.
Very curious, my buddy picked up 2 and scooted from Sausalito to Tiburon and back.
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Been dying to get it out but all I can say is "Life." My boy gets here at 6am Thursday and I should bre on the water by dawn. Figure I have the never kayaked learning curve mixed with the not having been on a bike since 2013 so I figure this should be funny at least. Figure I will bring spare clothes just in case I flip it. Probably won't push it till the sun gets up but I definitely want to cover some ground and test the prop and stability for fly fishing. Figure I will stow a 6wt just in case I see an opportunity but I will mainly be looking for easy options on the garmin.
Any word on how the boat did in saltwater? I figure I should crawl before I sprint but I have dreams of rock fish and salmon.
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Congrats! Spring45 will be jealous!
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Been dying to get it out but all I can say is "Life." My boy gets here at 6am Thursday and I should bre on the water by dawn. Figure I have the never kayaked learning curve mixed with the not having been on a bike since 2013 so I figure this should be funny at least. Figure I will bring spare clothes just in case I flip it. Probably won't push it till the sun gets up but I definitely want to cover some ground and test the prop and stability for fly fishing. Figure I will stow a 6wt just in case I see an opportunity but I will mainly be looking for easy options on the garmin.
Any word on how the boat did in saltwater? I figure I should crawl before I sprint but I have dreams of rock fish and salmon.
The Bay is salt but haven't drawn him to the ocean yet. He has newb status but i'm sure he's game. I again am curious to see how the design works on a ling or salmon day. I figure it moved well but he doesn't know any different. You're right just launching in your kayak is a bit of a learning curve. Hope all goes well and you stay dry.
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Glad you finally got it!!! I would join you Thursday but it's my busy season at work.
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JK has had some serious shipping issues lately. I know one guy who ordered a new yak back in November and it still isn't here (even though they said it was included in a recent dealer shipment). And they are charging their team members an extra $200+ to ship their kayaks now. I've seen the back & forth with their customer service and it's borderline embarrassing.
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I've seen the back & forth with their customer service and it's borderline embarrassing.
The whole experience has left a lot to be desired.
When it rains it pours I guess. My wife is developing flu like symptoms so tomorrow is currently looking bleak. I can't catch a break!
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You have to tell me how that Coosa FD is on the water! I am really hoping its like a Cadillac because I may invest in one this year. Keep me in the loop. Thanks!
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Soooooooo, let's talk coosa FD. After 3.5hr on the water and it 30-45 seconds in it I can give a one sided review. I am 6" 230lbs and I can stand in it. It motors around. Reverse and rudder leave a bit to be desired. I can get motoring and cruise around quite a bit but the pedals completely suck. Will be switching for aggressive mountain bike pedals asap and wet shoes slip on the stock pedals.
The drive system is a lot clunkier than I was expecting. I was expecting a recumbent exercise bike smoothness and I felt like it was just rough. Had to move the seat a few times during the day as well as it seemed to feel off. I took the yak out from tuttletown rec free launch to the bridge and it was not a problem nor did it feel terrible difficult.
The learning curve. Standing up feels great. Sitting is comfortable. Leaning over to change lure resulted in a cold lesson in tipping point. Luckily the only casualties were my flip phone, pride and a cheap metal stringer. The rest of the gear was bungeed or leashed and aside from a few floaters I was able to get back in and recover everything. I am lucky the wife was sick so the start was late cause it was cold this morning. After coming to shore and finding some dryer clothes I was able to go back out.
Gripes. Pedal drive leaves a bit to desire. Hitting reverse from full forward has no effect on kicking the drive up and is responsive to some extent. The rudder control was annoying and not as responsive as I had hoped. The gear tracks are great but the raised screws make installation or some things a pain in the butt. Rod tip storage protection not as useful as I had hoped. Biggest gripe that almost cost me a ton. The dry bag connected to the seat is weak. I got to shore after the flip to find it hanging by a strap. Take some zip ties, wire or anything but please don't trust the Velcro straps. Would have cost me the keys and wallet if the other strap failed. Aside from lunch and a jacket that sack is useless without increased connection to the yak.
All in all I had a blast and learned some things. I just wish that I could have caught some fish. I now know a friend in a sundolphin is not going to allow me to safely fish so I need a new kayak fishing buddy. Aside from that, let me know if you have any questions. I am off to get a warm shower and get the rest of the water out of my hull. Took at least a gallon in upon flip.
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Great start...did you have to change the seat height for pedaling and change it back for fishing? I told you not to get wet, sorry...I hope you are pleased with your ride. I am a jackson supporter and I hope they can keep up. I could not imagine standing on a kayak but it would be good for stretching. I hope the ergonomics of it come together for you and you, as you said...catch some super sized record fish from that coosa! Hope your wife gets well soon. Sick season sucks for everyone. :smt006
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Wow..I am disappointed to hear all of that. The yak looks so dang cool! If you lined it up with 10 other new pedal drive yaks on the showroom floor I'd surely be attracted to the Coosa first. Im hoping to test it out someday..just go put my own curiousity to rest.
Thanks for the review. I really do appreciate it.
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Wow..I am disappointed to hear all of that. The yak looks so dang cool! If you lined it up with 10 other new pedal drive yaks on the showroom floor I'd surely be attracted to the Coosa first. Im hoping to test it out someday..just go put my own curiousity to rest.
Thanks for the review. I really do appreciate it.
Just remember I have never been in a kayak until today. Not sure how it compares to others since I have never been in a native, hobie, wilderness or old town. If you are ever in Sonora, hit me up and you can give it a spin. I am curious what folks with more experience would make of it.
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Bummer you went for a swim. Where your head goes your body will follow. Let me know if you ever make it out on a weekend and I will join you.
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Thanks for the review
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I learned a ton and all I lost was a cheap flip phone so not a big deal. I will hit you up in the near future Mike. Definitely want to get out again asap.
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Been reading all of this thread because I’ve been interested in the Coosa FD for bass fishing. I like the videos on how the drive pops up over shallow stuff and I assumed a peddle drive would be easier for ‘reverse’ than the pull cords on my Hobie boats. It looks like the reviews are mixed on the reverse performance but Jackson is working on it. I’m more concerned with how you flipped that barge! I have both a ProAngler and an Outback and in lakes with wind, chop, and power boats waking the crap out of me haven’t come close to flipping. Also fished the delta, Benicia, and Tomales in some wind and chop and not felt like I was going for a swim. I’ve sailed my ProAngler and have taken it to the edge - and not flipped. I can easily stand on flat water on the ProAngler. (I’m 5’11” / 205 lbs). ...so how did you flip the Jackson Coosa. Is it hull design? Initial versus late stability? I’d love to hear what people’s thoughts are on that.
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He said it was his first time out..on a kayak. Taking a drink is likely to happen at some point.
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He dumped because it was his first time out and he didn't know that where his head went his body would follow. He just leaned over to far.
Angle I'm planning on going out for a bit Sunday if you're u can make it.
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As everyone else already said. I have zero kayak experience. That being said I had a down rigger attached with a 2lb ball I had a ton of excess crap in the included seat back dry bag including another 2lb cannon ball. I am 6' 230lbs and I am not sure if the Velcro on one of sides of the seat failed on the flip or prior. If prior the whole dry bag on the seat back was leaning with me throw in the small cooler in the front with a small brick like batter likely sliding left in conjunction with cockiness and a lack of kayak stability knowledge ended with a nice brisk wakeup call. Last I checked, shit happens. Got it flipped and back in quick. Had a dry sack with a rain jacket inside so I was able to ditch the wet tops and carry on. I planned well enough to not really lose anything and I righted the boat and recovered. Good lessons. Dry bag on seat back is not a good spot for anything but lunch and a coat. Still needs some zip ties extra as well. Pack lighter until I get the swing of things. Don't lean to far over the side. Roll dry bags better. Bring spare clothes.
As I also think I said. I had already been going for an hour and had stood up in it no problem. Weight down your left side like I did. Toss on a 30lb weight vest on your chest to get up to my weight. Make sure you have a downrigger reaped in with the cannon ball dangling a foot or so off the left side. Dangle a lure behind it attached to a 7ft pole and reach out and back for the lure. Just don't give up like a puss when you feel the boat tipping and I bet you will swim too! 😀 Or you can stay dry and not practice flipping your boat and self recovering. In fact! It was all just a training exercise! Nothing to see here, move along people.💩
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Oh yeah! Toss in the large camel back strapped to the seat that likely tipped while dangling full. That adds another few high center of gravity pounds as well. Destined to fail? :smt044
My wife has taken quite a turn with the flu so unless she makes a huge 180 in the next 24hrs Sunday is not very likely. I will drop you a pm tomorrow with an update.
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You rock brah! Nothing like real deal kayak re-entry experience. I flipped in Tomales with a Hali on the hook because I decided to get on my Kraken seat on my knees facing sideways because I wanted to be higher. Lost a mess of stuff but got a mess back...long story. Just good to know that the fear of wondering what it's like is gone. Go Coosa FD :smt006
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Well... I guess that does explain it rather well.
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Well... I guess that does explain it rather well.
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Not my brightest hour. Live and learn.
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Well... I guess that does explain it rather well.
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I’ve got an FD you’re welcome to try. So far I have a couple trips out on it and really think it’s going to improve my fishing experience coming from paddle kayaks. The only complaint I have so far is the weight, but I fish by myself quite a bit and don’t always pick the easiest launches. As I’ve gained more experience I’ve become more partial to lighter/narrower/faster kayaks so the cruise FD will probably be in my future
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Well... I guess that does explain it rather well.
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I’ve got an FD you’re welcome to try. So far I have a couple trips out on it and really think it’s going to improve my fishing experience coming from paddle kayaks. The only complaint I have so far is the weight, but I fish by myself quite a bit and don’t always pick the easiest launches. As I’ve gained more experience I’ve become more partial to lighter/narrower/faster kayaks so the cruise FD will probably be in my future
Hey Racer, do you ever fish rhe coast? I sure would like to pedal an FD some time. Despite the reviews, it's still not off my 2018 wishlist until I pedal it myself.
I'd like to try..
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I second the weight. The handle has some horrible ridges in the underside. That leave a lovely pattern of painful stimuli though! It on my list of things to improve on. Slippery pedals are getting addressed tomorrow. Hopefully get it out for round two on Saturday with better results.
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Curious to know what the report will be
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Well... I guess that does explain it rather well.
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I’ve got an FD you’re welcome to try. So far I have a couple trips out on it and really think it’s going to improve my fishing experience coming from paddle kayaks. The only complaint I have so far is the weight, but I fish by myself quite a bit and don’t always pick the easiest launches. As I’ve gained more experience I’ve become more partial to lighter/narrower/faster kayaks so the cruise FD will probably be in my future
Hey Racer, do you ever fish rhe coast? I sure would like to pedal an FD some time. Despite the reviews, it's still not off my 2018 wishlist until I pedal it myself.
I'd like to try..
I do when rockfish season is open. You’re welcome to try it if we can line something up
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Me me I wanna try!!!! :smt006
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Round two today. Trimmed a ton on weight. Ditch one rod down to two. Repositioned the fish finder. Still need to change the pedals. Not a fan. Steering is OK but not as smooth as I would like. Pedals are also not very smooth but this could be normal or just my lack of pedaling muscle. I kept the downrigger and made another stab at trolling but leg strength and wind in conjunction with not knowing if I was even doing it right drew me back to the launch area that was teaming with trout. Everything was a dink but I caught about 50 or so. I managed not to go swimming this time as well! Pretty sure it was the excess crap that did me in last time. Seemed pretty stable this time out. Hauling it out was a bit harder than getting her in but all in all it was a good time.
Anyone with trolling tips I am all ears. It feels like fly fishing in that once you catch some fish and get some confidence that you are doing it right it probably is pretty easy. No fish just leaves me wondering what flaw is the problem.
Lastly, that front handle blows! You hear me Jackson! It BLOWS!!! Hauling that boat up a long hill launch with little ridges digging and imprinting into your hand sucks.
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You had a 50 fish day??!!! Damn I'd say your doing it right.
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I think they were brookies. But yeah. I wish I would have packed the fly rod or at least my ultralight spinning gear. The whole cove was alive with jumping fish and top water hits and the only thing that kept me from catching every cast was the lure was too big for some of the fish. They would hit it but not hook up and I would have 15 fish following every retrieve. Hard to believe that cove was dead last Thursday.
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Thanks for the heads up. Had a blast out there with small dry's and nymphs.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180124/e50e9d6f0b8ed6487c3a7855b6c69466.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180124/f6c921d13451670ddad23848d47d058c.jpg)
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looks like a brown plant?
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looks like a brown plant?
I was thinking brooks but I think you are correct with browns. Which is odd I thought they were not planting anymore browns.
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I thought brooks too because of the white tips on the fins. I was thinking about taking the kids out today or tomorrow. That is pretty much what I was catching. Might grab my 3wt glass and go have some fun.
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I thought brooks too because of the white tips on the fins. I was thinking about taking the kids out today or tomorrow. That is pretty much what I was catching. Might grab my 3wt glass and go have some fun.
I'm ordering a 3wt today :smt001
Thinking brown since I didn't notice any blue halos or lines on the backs.
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Definitely brown trout. Interesting development...hmmmmm
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Even if not planting browns the could be spawning there. Brown for sure.
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Update: So finally got to Headwaters Kayak today and had the out landing gear on the FD. Thanks to them as I sure wasn't confident enough to be messing with it. So after several outings the boat is heavy. It's stable. The rudder is horrible and I am looking at possible improvements. I average about 3 mph leisurely pedaling with the medium pitch. The rod holder that comes with it sucks without an extension. I can toss one of my kids On the back and the fish for me so I can do my best driving miss daisy impersonations. I watched headwaters new video tonight on the 3 boats and Can mentioned the seat being comfortable. At first I agree but after some long sessions i think it needs a lumbar pad and I still think the stock pedals at trash. The boat handles sales with easy as well. I am very happy overall with my purchase. I have spoke to Jackson on several occasions and every time was an enjoyable experience. Hope this update helps.
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After hours and hours in the Coosa on different waters I thought I'd share my experiences and point of view on various things.
The Coosa has potential. It's a good boat overall but it's certainly not without issue. I've had it in 8ft swell with chop on top , hard pushing current and the flattest calmest water known to man. I typically fish for 8+ hours and travel quite a bit during those times.
I'll start with the positives. The hull, like most jackson kayaks is great. Super stable, well designed and a pleasure to work with. The tracks work well and gives you plenty of options to mount stuff. I am not one of these guys with 15 rod holders, lights, cup holders and a 7" side scan display but I do like having the option of re-positioning stuff when I am out there and change my fishing style. The seat, again like most jacksons is super comfy and easy to do a whole day in without getting fidgety. The seat tracks work well for positioning, I have to admit though, I've never seen a reason to mount the seat in the low position. The boat is stable in any condition, if someone found this thing unstable I'd probably wonder about their suitability for kayaking. I've stood up in the kayak countless times in 5+ft swell to take my wet-suit off without issue. The underseat tray works well for low profile storage of minor items. It can be a bit difficult but it's way better than nothing. With the addition of a tray insert, the front hatch is very functional and easily accessible on the water. Without the tray the boat would be sadly lacking on storage for such a large boat. I will always miss the kraken center console storage though ;). IMO, the tray insert should have been provided and probably will in the future. Although I can access the rear hatch on the water, I'd advise not to do so as you may find yourself practicing self recovery. The drive system is very functional when working correctly (see below). Hands free, instant reverse is such an under-rated bonus over any Hobie. It's come in so useful for me for staying on spot, avoiding kayak collisions and general gloating that I have instant reverse ;). The retractable drive gives you a worry free peddle through the shallows.
The Jackson Warranty is hands down the best warranty I have ever encountered in any product. Brandon Brown, you know who you are and anyone who's ever had a Jackson claim learn to appreciate that name.
OK, here are my gripes. No, weight is not one of them. Anyone who complains about weight on this boat should have picked it up before they bought it. That's like buying a V8 truck and saying it's shit on gas. It is what it is. It's heavy but with good reason. Hell, go pick up a PA then complain about the Coosa. The weight is manageable and you learn to live with it (so do your friends!). My #1 complaint is the rudder. I'm sorry but that has to be the dumbest design in any kayaks, ever. A semi-permanent rudder that just simply sucks. It doesn't track well due to a really shallow draft and has slop which every coosa owner has tried to over come and is constantly in the way when loading and unloading. I am now at the stage where I simply don't care about it. I grind that thing every time I load and unload. Learning the replacement was only $25ish was my ticket to do this. Please, give us a retractable rudder that has some draft to it!
#2 is the drive. Now if this worked as intended there would be no complaints but it doesn't. To put things is perspective I am on my 2nd upper drive and my 3rd lower drive. I've broken s sheer pin paddling up a wave, had oil leaking out of the upper, had obvious issues with manufacturing tolerances in the lower, had bolts installed by manufacturer back out and cause failure etc. It's been a journey but I believe now I am at the point where everything is functioning as it should. The nice thing about all this is that Jackson have been 100% behind their product and getting me sorted out along the way.
#3 is the rudder again.
The Coosa is a solid boat. I've landed tons of fish in it, peddled miles and miles in wind, current, chop and big swell. If the rudder was improved and they figure out the issues with the drive (which all seem minor and just like teething problems) I think this boat would be so much better.
I knew when I bought this boat I was headed into uncharted waters. It's been a journey but I am pretty happy with it.
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Well at least my drive seems good. What pitch do you usually run in Lingling?
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Aggressive. I just switched to stock, medium though.
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Aggressive. I just switched to stock, medium though.
Any reason in particular? I was debating on dropping to low so I could troll without having to pedal so slow. Have you noticed much difference between the stock and aggressive? I don't want to waste my time if we are only talking a tenth of an mph difference.
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Aggressive. I just switched to stock, medium though.
Any reason in particular? I was debating on dropping to low so I could troll without having to pedal so slow. Have you noticed much difference between the stock and aggressive? I don't want to waste my time if we are only talking a tenth of an mph difference.
There certainly a difference in cadence to maintain your desired speed. I actually prefer stock over aggressive. I never found aggressive hard to peddle but I seem to have more control and it's easier to peddle slower with the stock setting. Also with aggressive and peddling fast I found my peddle stroke wasn't smooth at all. The peddles felt like individual strokes rather than a circular motion.