Picked up my new 2017 Jackson Kayak Kilroy LT Realtree Edition at Delaware Paddlesports today! The Realtree Camo color pattern is amazing. Really pumped to go back to the roots of kayaking ,fishing, hunting, and photographing from a sit in hybrid style kayak. Been looking forward to owning this kayak since Jackson Kayak released it in 2016. Hybrid kayaks are a cross between a canoe and a sit-in kayak. This design makes it easy for one person to paddle like a kayak with the width and open cockpit of a standard canoe.
Kilroy LT Knowledge:
The Kilroy LT is manufactured using a process called thermoforming using a sheet plastic material or ABS. The process differs from rotomolding as the kayak is molded by heating a thin sheet of ABS plastic then using a vacuum to form the softened plastic to the mold. After cooling the plastic keeps the shape of the mold. The kayak is manufactured in 2 halves then glued together. You can see the seam around the kayak. This process creates a thinner but strong hull which weighs much less than its polypropylene rotomolded cousins.
Specs and Accessories:
The Kilroy LT is 12 feet 11 inches in length by 33 inches wide and weighs in at 56 pounds. The kayak comes with a “Tech Deck” which mounts to the bow or stern of the cockpit allowing mount points for additional accessories. Also included is the new Jackson Ergo Seat which is the most comfortable yet. Accessories from the factory include two RAM Mount rod holders with track mounts a Naglene water bottle seatback pouch a stand assist strap and long load safety flag. There are 4 yak attack gear tracks for mounting rod holders and camera mounts. The kayak also features a raised deck system which levels out the hull making it easy to stand.
Having yet to paddle the Kilroy LT my paddle selection will be a lightweight Bending Branches Angler Pro 240 – 250 cm in length. Looking forward to the sit in for colder weather paddling with a bit more stability standing due to the deck being closer to the water line. Please do check back on The Plastic Hull for rigging and stories of kayak fishing from the Kilroy LT!