Its not a Cuda or a Coosa its a Cruise. Known as Jackson Kayaks budget friendly fishing kayak the Cruise now has a cousin. Jackson Kayak Unveils Cruise FD at Icast 2017. The Cruise FD with both a face lift and the new Flex Drive (FD). The peddle Flex Drive allows the kayaker to propel the kayak using his or her feet instead of a traditional double bladed kayak paddle. The idea is to allow the kayak angler the ability to fish hands free. Although you need at least one hand to steer it is as hands free as a human propelled craft can get.

The Flex Drive

The new innovative Flex Drive from Jackson Kayak is unique in the entire industry. Its dagger board recessing lower unit is great for use in shallow bodies of water. Also in waters with obstructions below the water line such as rocky rivers, submerged timber, and even surf landing on the beach. All of the main gearing is located above the water line in the pedal drive. This was done for the feeling that no worries of water infiltration into the gear box. The kayak is molded with an access panel for the prop to recess into and the ability to clean if fowled with debris.

The Cruise FD

In appearance the new Cruise FD has a Cuda HD feel. With the new HD style hatches and molded in gear tracks it resembles the HD. Seems like it will be the best pedal drive setup for river running and fishing in areas with many obsticals. It features a high low seat that is adjustable sliding front to back.  Recessed Gear Tracks and the HD rod tip protectors. The steering is a push pull type if system instead of turning a handle.

The Cruise is  a recreational style pedaling kayak. At this point there isn’t an angler edition. Although before angler specific kayaks there was a solution. Install a rod holder!

Pretty impressive. I cant wait to get out on the water with the demo.

Specs:

11′-10″ L

30″ Wide

Cruise FD

At Outdoor Retailer an invite only trade show for Manufacturers , Dealers, and press Jackson Kayak unveils their latest to its extensive line of fishing kayaks. The “Liska” geared at replacing the Cuda 12 series of fishing kayaks is geared up with all of the accessories which both seasoned and new kayak anglers are looking for.

Whats in the Name?

Jan Liska unfortunately died 2 years ago in a avalanche while skiing in the French Alps. He was the European Jackson Kayak fishing team manager. His passion of kayak fishing and the sport was tremendous. He is greatly missed.

Liska Features:

An excellent top featureof the Liska is the Elite Ergo high low seat system which is adjustable forward and aft like the Coosa & Cuda HD. The modified hinged center hatch is large enough to store a ton of gear and a fish finder battery without taking up much standing room. Molded in gear tracks alongside the seat and tank well and on the center hatch for additional mounting areas.  Standard with behind seat flush mounted rod holders. It also comes with some accessories that are standard from JK such as the RAM 2007 rod holder with screw ball track ount, the long load safety flag, and the stand-up assist strap. The standing pad is also included on the deck for non slip comfortable standing. Unlike the original Cuda line this kayak has a transducer scupper! Will it have a GoPro mount?

Differences from the Cuda 12:

The entry level aspect comes from the loss of rod stagers and the rudder ready ability. Also this kayak at this stage is not power pole ready.  Take off the RAM 2008 tube rod holders and well you still have a fishing machine. The kayak comes in at 12′-11″ long and 34″ wide which increases the stability compared to the Cuda 12. Its total weight capacity is still high coming in at 435 pounds. The overall weight of the boat is 79 pounds without the seat.

This kayak is a suggested retail MSRP of $1,349. Will be available early 2018!

Liska

Eric Jackson unveils the new Jackson Kayak Blue Sky Boat Works at Outdoor Retailer 2017. This “Boat” has just about everything a kayak angler could dream of but its a boat! A catamaran style hull with a flat open deck. Included with tons of gear track, built in wheels,  a dual rudder system, a “back porch” for cooler or crate. Power pole ready.

But here is where its at. The angler 360 seat. Rotates 360 so you can fish off the side the rear and the front. Fully adjustable and looks really comfortable too!. Also built in is the Jackson Kayak Flex Drive!

Its the “Fast Stable Fishing Machine”

These types of boats may even change the way we fish again. Personally I’m hoping for a modified craft that can take the rough water out in bays in the future.

Check out Eric Jackosn’s walk through! Also check out http://www.blueskyboatworks.com/ for additional information. Available by summer of 2018!