Great vid man. I just bought the big rig FD and I have the dragonfly 7 pro. Would you be willing to do and in depth video on how you mounted and wired your fish finder? I’m looking to keep the mounting very clean like you did. Impressive!!
Nice video. Very neat and clean set up. I have just one suggestion: You may wish to attach some sort of pad to protect the hull where your anchors rub up against the hull in the stowed position. Movement and wave action might cause some wear. Just my two cents. Tight lines, K
Great video. I have the Coosa and I am always looking for ideas on rigging. Have you tried the new paddle holders from Rail blaza? I hd the Yak attack cams but have just added the RailBlaza. The move the paddle to the outside of the yak, keeping the paddle clear of rod holders and other gear. I love that side bro but at $90 a pair I think I will pass for now.
Thanks! I haven't tried the Rail Blaza paddle holders. Mostly due to the fact that I don't really want the paddle to be retained by the rubber piece. I definitely prefer just having it cam-locked so that it's easy to grab and secure back. The Side-Bro is awesome but I only found it necessary on one side of the cockpit. Having it on both sides would, I feel, clutter it up too much for my liking.
Eli, I hope you can help me. I just bought boonedox landing gear and am having problems figuring out where to mount them. If I mount it behind the rail that's behind the seat then it takes about 1/3 of the well and I will have to dremel the first set of bungie pad eyes because they stick up too high. I can possibly place it directly above the metal rail but not sure. The other place I can put them is behind the seat which would be ideal, but I will not have a lot of surface to add any additional plastic support that boonedox now ships with the 2018 model to help prevent the boat from cracking. The only place that can really be used for the added support material is if I place the boonedox behind the rail and lose 1/3 of well. If you were to add landing gear to your yak where would you install it?
If I were to add the Landing Gear it would probably be over (or on top of) the track rail. That's purely based on it being the spot that I'd have to sacrifice the least amount of storage area. My fear with the Landing Gear has always been the risk of tracking the hull.
Eli Braud Ha! Boone fox now sends the kit with with HDPE for you to cut bigger than the metal backing plate to help with cracking. You place the 1/2”HDPE between the metal bracket and the hull inside the yak for added support. Others are also adding 1/4” HDPE between the knuckle of the boonedox and the top of the yak.
Pulled the trigger on a Cruise FD at a truckload sale in Greensboro, NC last weekend largely because of this video. Two questions: what kind of paddle are you using and why didn't you install the anchors on opposite sides of the kayak? Seems doing so would improve balance and keep the boat more stable in wind/current. Really enjoy your vids. Keep up the good work.
Congrats on your Cruise FD! My paddle is a Werner Cyprus - super lightweight! As for the anchors, I installed them on opposite sides on my first kayak and didn't feel that it made too much of a difference. The other reason for not continuing to install them on opposite sides is because when fighting a fish, it could be a pain in the butt to manage the fish and manage both anchors.
Eli, I am an older gentleman with a Cruise 10 Angler (2015) and I am considering the Cruise FD to improve my range. Would you say that the Cruise FD is more stable than the Cruise 10? It looks like the drive would make it harder to turn over, just curious.
How does the cruise fd compare to your old cuda when it comes to polling around the marsh sight fishing reds? Im interested in upgrading to the fd from my cuda but if it isn't as nice/easy to pole around with I will just stick with my cuda.
So far I haven't noticed a big difference. The stability is almost identical to what I experienced in the Cuda, so no worries there. The trackability and ease of steering (with your paddle) while standing is about the same as well. I would've expected it to be easier to turn, being that it's under 12 ft long, but I think the rudder compensates for the short length. I do feel that the Cuda 14 drafts slightly shallower, but we're talking very slightly. While I do miss certain elements of the Cuda, I'm glad that I went into the FD... just my opinion though. Try to demo it if you can.
Eli Braud Good info, I definitely plan to demo before I buy. I want to at least wait until another generation have been produced to hopefully work out any kinks that arise with the first gen. Thanks for the reply!
Yeah, but it has to do with the rudder’s design. But honestly, the only time I find tracking straight to be super important is when I’m paddling the boat. And with the rudder controls in the centralized “locked” position, it paddles very straight. When I’m pedaling, I’m constantly holding the rudder control slightly shifting it as needed. After you’re used to it, it’s really not a bother.
Eli Braud thank you. Also have you tried all the diff peddling tension inserts. i.e. -easy, med, hard. Which do you prefer. I have had the Radar 13.5 and I believe it moves considerably faster thand the cruise fd. What do u think about the speed?
I’ve set mine to the most aggressive setting. I don’t have a load of experience with the Radar 135, but I was with a guy who was using one and we pedaled side-by-side for about two miles going the same speed. I’ve also had a little experience with the Native Propel kayaks and feel the Cruise FD moves every bit as easily as that drive unit.
Eli Braud thanks, I used a native propel 13.5 as well and I had trouble keeping up with my friend pedaling her radar 13.5. Also the radar pedal around the bearing had a lot log wiggle. That’s the reason I got rid of it.
Very good video! Nice rig. I’ve been looking at this Kayak for my first one ever. It’s looks like a great one. You set it up nicely!!
Great set up and sweet ride..Luv Jackson Kayaks
Great review sir. I really appreciate you showing your setup and also including what work you have done to your rig.
Great walk through Eli. You covered so many important things in one video!
Thanks Drew!
Great video! Good coverage, innovation in application! More fun to build your own!
Awesome setup nice so I guess you like the kayak 👍👍👍👍
Very much so!
Good looking Yak ..Great job on the video ..
Thanks for sharing man
Great vid man. I just bought the big rig FD and I have the dragonfly 7 pro. Would you be willing to do and in depth video on how you mounted and wired your fish finder? I’m looking to keep the mounting very clean like you did. Impressive!!
Nice video. Very neat and clean set up. I have just one suggestion: You may wish to attach some sort of pad to protect the hull where your anchors rub up against the hull in the stowed position. Movement and wave action might cause some wear. Just my two cents. Tight lines, K
Hey thanks for making this video! Love your setup! Where did you get those pouches/bags on the milke crate?
They're made by BoatMates. I can't find the link now, but it took my a while to find them.
I really like that kayak, more than the coosa. Do you know if a power pole could be added to the cruise fd?
Great video. I have the Coosa and I am always looking for ideas on rigging. Have you tried the new paddle holders from Rail blaza? I hd the Yak attack cams but have just added the RailBlaza. The move the paddle to the outside of the yak, keeping the paddle clear of rod holders and other gear. I love that side bro but at $90 a pair I think I will pass for now.
Thanks! I haven't tried the Rail Blaza paddle holders. Mostly due to the fact that I don't really want the paddle to be retained by the rubber piece. I definitely prefer just having it cam-locked so that it's easy to grab and secure back.
The Side-Bro is awesome but I only found it necessary on one side of the cockpit. Having it on both sides would, I feel, clutter it up too much for my liking.
How did the cruise fd end up turning out after using at awhile?
Great video. Would you mind sharing the dimensions of the tank well area? Thank you.
Eli, I hope you can help me. I just bought boonedox landing gear and am having problems figuring out where to mount them. If I mount it behind the rail that's behind the seat then it takes about 1/3 of the well and I will have to dremel the first set of bungie pad eyes because they stick up too high. I can possibly place it directly above the metal rail but not sure. The other place I can put them is behind the seat which would be ideal, but I will not have a lot of surface to add any additional plastic support that boonedox now ships with the 2018 model to help prevent the boat from cracking. The only place that can really be used for the added support material is if I place the boonedox behind the rail and lose 1/3 of well. If you were to add landing gear to your yak where would you install it?
If I were to add the Landing Gear it would probably be over (or on top of) the track rail. That's purely based on it being the spot that I'd have to sacrifice the least amount of storage area. My fear with the Landing Gear has always been the risk of tracking the hull.
Eli Braud tracking the hull? I’m not an avid kayaker just yet. Can you please elaborate? Sorry for my ignorance
Sorry, I meant to type cracking the hull, lol
Eli Braud Ha! Boone fox now sends the kit with with HDPE for you to cut bigger than the metal backing plate to help with cracking. You place the 1/2”HDPE between the metal bracket and the hull inside the yak for added support. Others are also adding 1/4” HDPE between the knuckle of the boonedox and the top of the yak.
Stream Rolling what is HDPE? I’m having the same issue. Figuring out where to mount the landing gear on my big rig fd.
Pulled the trigger on a Cruise FD at a truckload sale in Greensboro, NC last weekend largely because of this video. Two questions: what kind of paddle are you using and why didn't you install the anchors on opposite sides of the kayak? Seems doing so would improve balance and keep the boat more stable in wind/current. Really enjoy your vids. Keep up the good work.
Congrats on your Cruise FD! My paddle is a Werner Cyprus - super lightweight! As for the anchors, I installed them on opposite sides on my first kayak and didn't feel that it made too much of a difference. The other reason for not continuing to install them on opposite sides is because when fighting a fish, it could be a pain in the butt to manage the fish and manage both anchors.
What product is the Victoria secret for bug repellent
Ayeeee got the same last name
Eli, I am an older gentleman with a Cruise 10 Angler (2015) and I am considering the Cruise FD to improve my range. Would you say that the Cruise FD is more stable than the Cruise 10? It looks like the drive would make it harder to turn over, just curious.
which model of lowrance transducer scupper mount did you use? thank you,
I only know of one model available. On the box it says, “Kayak Scupper Hole Transducer Mounting System”
Hey, you make your own anchor weights?
Nope. Purchased from Pack & Paddle in Lafayette, LA
How does the cruise fd compare to your old cuda when it comes to polling around the marsh sight fishing reds? Im interested in upgrading to the fd from my cuda but if it isn't as nice/easy to pole around with I will just stick with my cuda.
So far I haven't noticed a big difference. The stability is almost identical to what I experienced in the Cuda, so no worries there. The trackability and ease of steering (with your paddle) while standing is about the same as well. I would've expected it to be easier to turn, being that it's under 12 ft long, but I think the rudder compensates for the short length. I do feel that the Cuda 14 drafts slightly shallower, but we're talking very slightly. While I do miss certain elements of the Cuda, I'm glad that I went into the FD... just my opinion though. Try to demo it if you can.
Eli Braud Good info, I definitely plan to demo before I buy. I want to at least wait until another generation have been produced to hopefully work out any kinks that arise with the first gen. Thanks for the reply!
Do you think a blackpak will fit ? after removing the crossbar?
Not sure. Possibly, if you have it sitting long ways with the rod holders to the rear.
What color is your FD? It looks like some variation of bluefin, but I don't see that on the Cruise FD page on the Jackson site.
Yeah, Bluefin but with white added to the mix. It was a custom job. Jackson will do custom colors for an up-charge. Just have to contact a dealer.
Eli, I just rode on the cruise FD and would like to know if you have trouble keeping the Kayak going straight? If so whats your remedy
Yeah, but it has to do with the rudder’s design. But honestly, the only time I find tracking straight to be super important is when I’m paddling the boat. And with the rudder controls in the centralized “locked” position, it paddles very straight. When I’m pedaling, I’m constantly holding the rudder control slightly shifting it as needed. After you’re used to it, it’s really not a bother.
Eli Braud thank you. Also have you tried all the diff peddling tension inserts. i.e. -easy, med, hard. Which do you prefer. I have had the Radar 13.5 and I believe it moves considerably faster thand the cruise fd. What do u think about the speed?
I’ve set mine to the most aggressive setting. I don’t have a load of experience with the Radar 135, but I was with a guy who was using one and we pedaled side-by-side for about two miles going the same speed. I’ve also had a little experience with the Native Propel kayaks and feel the Cruise FD moves every bit as easily as that drive unit.
Eli Braud thanks, I used a native propel 13.5 as well and I had trouble keeping up with my friend pedaling her radar 13.5. Also the radar pedal around the bearing had a lot log wiggle. That’s the reason I got rid of it.
How much does the kayak weigh?
About 90 lbs. give or take...
Holy SHIT THANK YOU for doing this!!! I want the cruise.. not the coosa...
No problem. Hope it helped!
Yankee Tanker Outdoors price is going up for the cruise fd to $2399 on Jan 1, 2018