Jackson Kayak Cuda 14 2014 Model arrives in UK

Hi,
Jackson Kayak have decided to create a Team GB to try and attack the GB kayak angling market. I am Terry from Leicester in the Midlands in England and I  lucky enough to be a part of that team.

I have just received my Cuda 14 I thought you guys may enjoy seeing some of the changes made to make a good yak even better. Here is my first look and then how I rigged the boat.

6:30 am today having a bit of a lay in after a week of getting up and 5am 'Ding Dong' you guessed it....the delivery guy with my 2014 model Jackson Kayak Cuda 14

We hauled it onto the lawn. I had to get the car off the drive to get her unwrapped. First thing was to get the C-Tug underneath and away we go.

[a href="http://s152.photobucket.com/user/harry1606/media/DSCF0909_zps997048b4.jpg.html"][img src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s166/harry1606/DSCF0909_zps997048b4.jpg" style="max-width:100%;"]http://[/a]

It seemed a bit like pass the parcel.

First layer plastic sleeve...



Second layer a nylon sock....



Followed by another plastic sleeve. You have to say they are well packed.

[a href="http://s152.photobucket.com/user/harry1606/media/DSCF0912_zps465bd8bd.jpg.html"][img src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s166/harry1606/DSCF0912_zps465bd8bd.jpg" style="max-width:100%;"]http://[/a]




Now in the flesh......

I like the subdued colour, Forest Camo.



There have been plenty of photos of the Cuda 14 so first off I will mention the 2014 modifications made.

First the new Ram Tough Tubes. As Mark showed they are no longer on the unstable Ram balls but the notched stem and socket with a locking key.





These are Ram products and very, very strong. No problems with trolling from these. Of course they can be positioned just as you want them.





Next up is the new lid for the centre hatch. Many hatches have to be fully opened to gain access and the 2013 model was like that. I had planned a hacksaw mod but no need now.



1/8th of a rotation and it opens to give access. No threads to clog with sand and jam.



Well sealed.



When Philpot saw the 2013 hatch he told JK that we needed an insert. Now all UK models will be shipped with the removable plastic box.







Now to the lid again. Jackson have remove the old Ram ball that was near the bows and rod holder. This was too far away to be useful. Jackson saw sense and have fitted two short YakAttack tracks on the the lid.


The you add the Ram ball and rod holder.



Then there is the Lumbar Support. This is a bag full of soft beads. You can position it on the seat back rest where ever you feel fit. Lean against it and suck the air out and it moulds to tour back. Not all will need it but for some it will be a great help.





Now a quick spin through the rest of the kayak.

Front and rear hatches which with the centre hatch give access to all the important places for fitting padeyes etc wit nuts and bolts and YES the C-Tug fits.







That famous seat



Removable mesh pouch on the back of the seat.


Go Pro mount.



Free drinks bottle



Rod holder elastics and tip protector the elastic of this act as paddle holder.







Grooved gunwales for resting paddle.



Skid plate on keel.



Long load flag.



A couple of hull shots.





I think I have overloaded you with pictures but if there are any specifics you want ask and I will try and deliver.

The improvements make the 2014 Cuda even more versatile I look forward to tinkering.

======================

After fulfilling my obligations taking the wife and Mother in law to a couple of craft fairs I finally managed to get a couple of hours getting started on rigging the Cuda.

First off the fish finder. I have got a Garmin GPSmap 451s and decided to use a Ram mount for it.

The front hatch give access to a perfect plce for the transducer next to some of the foam bracing which I cut a bit off to protect it. A quick buff up with some sand paper and cleaned down.

[a href="http://s152.photobucket.com/user/harry1606/media/DSCF0980_zps66406f65.jpg.html"][img src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s166/harry1606/DSCF0980_zps66406f65.jpg" style="max-width:100%;"]http://[/a]

A good dollop of sealant well stirred to remove any bubbles.



Sorry forgot to photograph the transducer in place. Doh! Senior moment.

Then it was time to check placement of the Ram ball and the cable gland. Yup looks ideal.



Now to drill two holes for the cables and slits either side to slip them in, these are tightened up when the gland is bolted down.






Time to cut up a couple of pieces of chopping board for bracing and drill them.






Position the parts and drill the hatch lid.



Sealant around the bolt holes....



Same with the cable gland base and use an auger to get the hole for the cables to pass through'



Then more sealant and fix the chopping board to brace them.



I am happy with that.

Now the Cuda has a plastic 'drop in box' in the centre hatch and I had to cut a small channel for the cables to slip through.





Now for the Ram mount. If you have a Garmin FF don't buy the Ram custom base at silly money, the bolt holes are a perfect match with the standard Ram mount. Job done.



Right now to mount it all connect the battery and see how it looks.





Yup I am happy.



Well it's too dark to carry on....anchor trolley will wait until tomorrow.

Terry

====================

Decided to get an early start today before the rain comes. Got to fit anchor trolley and sort out the mount for the Virb camera.

There is a nice line that runs from bow to stern to use as a marker for the pad eyes.





Usual procedure of chopping board back plate. Drilled three sets of holes bows, stern and just in front of the cockpit to try and stop the trolley coming over the boat.



Blobs of sealant on the holes and on the back plate. Then washers and Nylock nuts nice and tight.




All three fitted, now the trolley itself. I had some 3mm paracord in green, a perfect match for the kayak. Pulleys, carabiners and ring.



All fitted nice and tidy.



Now for the Virb fitting. The Cuda comes with a prefitted GoPro mount screwed onto an encapsulated thread. I wanted to use this so off came the mount.




I drilled and countersunk the Garmin mount. Fitted a tread after I peeled the adhesive pad off to reveal enough thread.



All fitted and ready for Rudyard tomorrow.





Terry

Wow! Quite the introduction Terry, Thanks for the intel in the new JK Cuda. I'd say WTTM but clearly it already runs deep within you

ruben

Kayak angling has been in my life for 7 years now. It is nice to be involved with JK and the Cuda looks as if it may be a great introduction in the UK, especially with freshwater anglers ( what you guys would call 'flatwater').
The Cuda offers a level of comfort not seen in the UK before. They are well kitted, especially with the 2014 improvements.

Terry

Nice!!!

I love the Cuda and am anxiously waiting for my 2014 model to arrive!! 

Welcome to NCKA and to JK!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Cheers Jim....you will love the modifications, Jackson really do listen to their customers.

Terry

cool, thanks for sharing the pics!  do those yak attack rails on the hatch have any backing?  from one of your pics it doesn't seem to have any.  do you feel they will be strong enough to mount a rod holder for trolling?

Awesome job on the yak Terry.  I can't wait for your fishing report and pictures.

Jedmo

I used the track and holders for some trolling and they were fine but they have not been put under any real stress yet.

Terry

Very nice Terry .
That's the first time that I've seen the 2014 model.
Definitely like the new center hatch on 2014 model. might have to get one. Hatch that is.
Thanks,
Tim