New Kayak?

[Tim Kelly]

I want to get a kayak. Been looking round and on paper the Jackson cuda 12 looked like the best choice. Went to see one this morning and had a test drive, all worked well enough, easy to paddle and stand in. My big problem though is the price of the yak. The quality of the moldings is pathetic! The hull is OK, but the hatches and bins that fit onto the hull are the cheapest thinnest most rubbishy Walmart bargain bin standard. I haven't had a chance to look at equivalent kayaks from other manufacturers as there aren't many places selling yaks near me, but Jackson Kayaks seem to have premium pricing, are the less expensive manufacturers made out of even worse quality plastics?

I'm not just ranting about Jackson, I genuinely want to know if that is the standard for the industry and you just have to pay what they cost and accept the build standard on all kayaks.

[Darren.]

I can't really speak for Jackson's yaks, I've seen them and touched them in-store, but never concentrated on them as they did not fit what I was looking for when I was in the market.

 

But in terms of quality, I did notice how well molded both Native, Wilderness Systems, and Feel Free fishing yaks were. I considered all three, settled with the hybrid Native Ultimate 12.

 

But I have read mostly good things about Jackson Coosa, and later the Cuda. Were all the models in store like that? Curious.

[Tim Kelly]

There were only a couple in the store, but looking on you tube you can see the thin flimsy wobbly plastic used for the non hull parts. If you look at the big tuna films you can see the live well molding is made the same way and resembles the tray that holds chocolates in their box!

[hoosierbass07]

 Have you checked out Wilderness Systems kayaks?  I have a Ride 115.  It has two hatches.  I don't use them much but they seem to be pretty well made/solid.  I will warn you though the Ride 115 is a heavy 78 pounds.  

[flyfisher]

I had a Coosa for 2 seasons and never saw what you are talking about as far as flimsy build.  In every Jackson boat i checked out i always had the impression hat the boats were built more sturdy than others.

 

You also have to consider what exactly are you looking for in a hatch?  are you trying to stand on it and do backflips or is it used to keep most water out of the compartment.  My guess is the latter and weight is always a concern so you have to find the line between durability and light weight.  All of the boats i have owned are pretty much the same as far as hatches go actually...

[Mike2841]

Have you checked out Wilderness Systems kayaks? I have a Ride 115. It has two hatches. I don't use them much but they seem to be pretty well made/solid. I will warn you though the Ride 115 is a heavy 78 pounds.

x2. I have the ride 115 and love it but it is HEAVY. 78lbs doesn't sound that heavy when you look at it on paper, but loading it on a car solo is a different story.

[OperationEagle]

Tim, I have a Cuda 12.  My molded plastic hatch cover (one that fits betwen the legs) is made of VERY sturdy plastic.  Its sturdy enough that many people mount their fishfinder on it.  If it is thin and flimsy maybe the design has changed significantly?

 

I agree that these kayaks (Ride 115's, Jacksons, Natives, etc) are not cheap.

 

I typically try to pinch pennies and fall into the trap of buying a cheaper version of X only to want to upgrade to Y...spending more money in the long run.

 

I am glad I didnt do that with my kayak purchase.  Buying right the first time will allow you to start modifying it to your liking from day one.

 

If anything, look for a well cared for used Cuda or Ride if you want to save some $$.  You are smart to have gotten some seat time in the Cuda to see if you like it.

 

As hoosierbass mentioned, the Ride is a worthy consideration but heavy.  Every lb counts for ease of transporting and storing...a pt that is rarely discussed or often dismissed.

 

A great way to get on the water and catch fish.  Best of luck to you.

[DogBone_384]

I have an Ascend 128T and FeelFree Lure 11.5.  Even though it's made in the US, the 128T's fit-finish is good, but not excellent, but it's price reflects it.  The FeelFree is very well put together and reflects very well in it's price.  The hatch and 'glove box' covers are solid and hardware used is very good.   

 

For overall fishing experience, they both have very comfortable seats and are stable enough to stand in, with a little practice.  The FeelFree's bottom accepts scupper mounted fish finders very easily.  I had to customize my 128T to get a transducer mounted nicely (was pretty easy, using a 3.5" toilet flange and rubber cover from Home-D).

 

Best of luck with your choice.  With my experience with these two kayaks, there's no BAD fishing kayak.

[Tim Kelly]

Thanks for the input guys, sounds like it's just the way it is. I suppose they all use cheap thin plastics to save weight, I'm just a little disappointed that you pay so much money for such cheap looking components. I really like the cuda 12, just got to be brave and suck up the price.

 

 

[B@ssCrzy]

Thanks for the input guys, sounds like it's just the way it is. I suppose they all use cheap thin plastics to save weight, I'm just a little disappointed that you pay so much money for such cheap looking components. I really like the cuda 12, just got to be brave and suck up the price.

 

 

 

The inserts are made of thin plastic to save weight as you said. They don't need to be of heavy plastic.  Keep looking at the other yaks around $1000 and you will find the Jackson Cuda is right up there with all of them.  I have the Cuda 12 and love it.  Have not had any problems with it and it fishes great.  They are popular for a reason and if there was a flaw in their design it would be all over the internet, but you don't see that.  If you like it buy it, if not find what you are most comfortable with and get that b/c investing some money in a good yak will save you some frustration down the road.  Good luck!!

[GADawgs]

The inserts are made of thin plastic to save weight as you said. They don't need to be of heavy plastic.  Keep looking at the other yaks around $1000 and you will find the Jackson Cuda is right up there with all of them.  I have the Cuda 12 and love it.  Have not had any problems with it and it fishes great.  They are popular for a reason and if there was a flaw in their design it would be all over the internet, but you don't see that.  If you like it buy it, if not find what you are most comfortable with and get that b/c investing some money in a good yak will save you some frustration down the road.  Good luck!!

 

I agree.  I have a Cuda 12 and I love it.  The insert that you are complaining about is just that, an insert.  It is not build to hold a ton of weight and therefore does not to be made of very heavy plastic.  In addition, it is made to be slightly flexible in the middle as those tabs click into place below the hatch.  The kayak itself is made very well and everytime I go out I have it pretty heavily loaded (4 rods, 5 3700 plano boxes, PFD, 2 nalgene bottles, bagged lunch and a small dry bag) and I have never had any issues. 

 

Wilderness does not have any inserts in any of their hatches, it just goes through to the hull, just like the Jackson would if you took out that insert.  The front and back hatch lids on the Jackson are desinged the way they are to be more waterproof than a latching lid. 

 

I agree, $1300 ain't cheap, but in hindsight I would have made the same decision.  GOod luck deciding which yak is right for you!

[HeavyFisher]

 If you look at the big tuna films you can see the live well molding is made the same way and resembles the tray that holds chocolates in their box!

 

My Big Tuna livewell insert really isn't flimsy at all. GADawgs description is head on. If your worried about price backcountry has a revolving 10% coupon you can use if you decide to purchase a kayak from them. All you have to do is message one of their live help staff members and ask for a discount off your purchase. 

[Tim Kelly]

Thanks for that. I'm in the UK so availability and choice are somewhat limited.