Post by philpot on Aug 18, 2013 8:39:49 GMT
I have seen Jackson Kayaks featured in the American magazine ' Kayak Angler ' but had never actually seen one in the flesh but heard that they were now coming into the Uk. I contacted JK in the US to establish who was importing them and had quite a number of emails from the CEO Eric Jackson and his team of people from the US and Europe. I cannot begin to tell you how welcome I was made to feel, and the enthusiasm from these guys was amazing. The members of JK refer themselves as part of the JK family and you can clearly understand this when talking to them.
I was put in contact with Square Rock Kayaks, just north of London. Aaron the owner of Square Rock advised me that their main area of supply was white water kayaks but had now taken on the fishing kayak range which is in it's infancy here although JK is now the biggest selling fishing kayak in the US. A date was arranged and I went to see Aaron to collect my Cuda 14. The same very warm welcome awaited me along with some really good coffee.
When I opened the packing, I could not help but be impressed at this kayak, it just looked the business and great attention to detail.
The cuda is available in both 12' and 14' options but my choice was the 14 which in real terms is 14' 3'' long x 30.5'', weight 36kg and a carrying capacity of 182kg.
The kayak came with Ram rod holders, rudder, drink flask, go-pro mount, long load flag, JK sticker and the most fantastic seat.
The seat can be used in both a high and low position and has straps to fasten the seat securely to the kayak.
There is also a removable bag on the rear of the seat
The Cuda has a good size tank well and a rear hatch which has a rigid top and rubber sides ensuring a good seal.
There is also a hatch at the front which can take a C-Tug
The bow has a smooth line which I have found has less slap on the water than the very sharp lines of some kayaks.
In front of the forward hatch is a rod shield which also serves as a paddle park.
There are recesses along the side to take rods while going through surf or simply to keep secure while not in use
Just in front of the foot wells, the Cuda has a raised section with 'V' shape cutouts to lay rods on along with a inset screw to take a Ram mount supplied and the opposite side has the Go-Pro mount. For those brave enough, the is a stand up strap centrally set to aid the art of standing. I will have a go with that on some very flat water in think.
A central pod is provided with direct access into the hull although an insert is available to provide a tackle store, something I will order as I prefer the tray option.
On the pod lid there are raised separators to provide a place for small items of tackle and is the ideal place for a fish finder.
I had the rudder version which is already installed however the rudder is supplied separate and is installed in just a couple of minutes. The rudder controls are fitted into the foot sliders but not on the pedals, this allows the foot braces to be moved for positioning without any adjustment needed to the rudder. For me, this is superb as I can mount my Torqeedo outboard and simply use the existing connections only then making an adjustment to the pedal itself.
Rigid side handles are provided which are so much better for lifting and sprung loaded front and rear so they don't get in the way when not in use.
The underside is very clean with shaped scupper holes designed to get water out fast.
Just a few extra photo's to give you a flavour of the Cuda 14
My first impressions are a well made kayak with a great deal of thought gone into the design by anglers for anglers. To be honest until you actually sit in the kayak for a little while, you don't see all the tiny detail that is there to aid the angler.
First impression-------------love it.
Phil
I was put in contact with Square Rock Kayaks, just north of London. Aaron the owner of Square Rock advised me that their main area of supply was white water kayaks but had now taken on the fishing kayak range which is in it's infancy here although JK is now the biggest selling fishing kayak in the US. A date was arranged and I went to see Aaron to collect my Cuda 14. The same very warm welcome awaited me along with some really good coffee.
When I opened the packing, I could not help but be impressed at this kayak, it just looked the business and great attention to detail.
The cuda is available in both 12' and 14' options but my choice was the 14 which in real terms is 14' 3'' long x 30.5'', weight 36kg and a carrying capacity of 182kg.
The kayak came with Ram rod holders, rudder, drink flask, go-pro mount, long load flag, JK sticker and the most fantastic seat.
The seat can be used in both a high and low position and has straps to fasten the seat securely to the kayak.
There is also a removable bag on the rear of the seat
The Cuda has a good size tank well and a rear hatch which has a rigid top and rubber sides ensuring a good seal.
There is also a hatch at the front which can take a C-Tug
The bow has a smooth line which I have found has less slap on the water than the very sharp lines of some kayaks.
In front of the forward hatch is a rod shield which also serves as a paddle park.
There are recesses along the side to take rods while going through surf or simply to keep secure while not in use
Just in front of the foot wells, the Cuda has a raised section with 'V' shape cutouts to lay rods on along with a inset screw to take a Ram mount supplied and the opposite side has the Go-Pro mount. For those brave enough, the is a stand up strap centrally set to aid the art of standing. I will have a go with that on some very flat water in think.
A central pod is provided with direct access into the hull although an insert is available to provide a tackle store, something I will order as I prefer the tray option.
On the pod lid there are raised separators to provide a place for small items of tackle and is the ideal place for a fish finder.
I had the rudder version which is already installed however the rudder is supplied separate and is installed in just a couple of minutes. The rudder controls are fitted into the foot sliders but not on the pedals, this allows the foot braces to be moved for positioning without any adjustment needed to the rudder. For me, this is superb as I can mount my Torqeedo outboard and simply use the existing connections only then making an adjustment to the pedal itself.
Rigid side handles are provided which are so much better for lifting and sprung loaded front and rear so they don't get in the way when not in use.
The underside is very clean with shaped scupper holes designed to get water out fast.
Just a few extra photo's to give you a flavour of the Cuda 14
My first impressions are a well made kayak with a great deal of thought gone into the design by anglers for anglers. To be honest until you actually sit in the kayak for a little while, you don't see all the tiny detail that is there to aid the angler.
First impression-------------love it.
Phil
