I made videos documenting each step of my decision process to include reviews of other kayaks I looked at and a helpful spreadsheet you can use. Here is the playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL8egn41J7Go8Az2TP08DhoESCsAmdACVE.html
Also, I really like how well you documented your choosing process. There are so many yaks out there to choose from and they all bring something a little different to the water/rider. The videos you provided on this process will really help to provide a thoughtful guide for anyone interested in upgrading their yak to an advanced level fishing kayak. Usually you have to look/read bunches of videos/reviews to get a handle on all the different models out there which is time consuming and can be very confusing.
Great choice. If I hadn't invested so much money in my Outback (added 180 Drive, Landing Gear, H-bar, sailing kit and Hobie Evolve Motor) I would be contemplating selling it and getting one myself. I don't regret it. I have a great time in my Hobie. Thank you for being respectful towards other brands.
Congrats on the new yak! I’m glad to see you went with the Jackson. I was found of that one myself. I look forward to seeing many great videos shot from it!
Steve, Congrat's on the purchase and also on a very well thought out plan to get what's right for you! It's been fun comparing your spreadsheet to mine and seeing where different people/fishing scenarios/lakes/rivers all affect a persons decision process. It's still all ice on the water up here but come ice out I have my two kayaks left on my list ready to demo at the same time. I look forward to more of your video's and follow ups on the Coosa!
Congrats on the new kayak, it’s a beauty. Hope this season yields you stringers of fish, I just picked up an ascend 128t and can’t wait to get that thing on the water. Your videos have done wonders for my two kayaks as far as diy and small low budget but necessary hacks to make my outings more comfortable. Keep the great vids going and be safe out there.
Looks like a great kayak, hope you enjoy it! For me my only concern would be getting it on & off the roof rack.. looking forward to this seasons videos
I'm a small fella standing at a mere 6' 1" weighing 260 lbs. Too many reviews done by little dudes. Most people standing in a kayak are typically little people. I thoroughly enjoy my '09 Ride 135, but this looks like my next kayak. Thanks for the reply also.
Congratulations on a great choice! It’s the one I was pulling for (Jackson is kind of the home team in Tennessee). Looking forward to the videos of you in the boat! Love the color scheme, too!
lol - color scheme. I wanted a bright color to keep from being run over by powerboats. But, my wanted a subdued color so it would blend into the fence where I store it. Guess who won!
Great choice. I do recommend the Jackson Mesh Cargo Panel or the Berley Pro. I had extra mesh and made my own but it does come in handy with putting a few bags of your favorite soft plastics in.
Congrats on the new yak, I am sure your going to love it. Just keep an eye on that landing gear. I started having issues with the bolt plates on the inside of my Slayer Propel 13. Especially on warmer NC days when the plastic really heats up.
Congratulations, I know you will love it! Putting the Landing Gear more towards the back to protect the rudder is a great idea! I took out my new Predator PDL for the first time today up hear in Raleigh today and I'll tell you, I figured out real quick the cheapo kayak cart I got, ain't going to cut it - that beast is heavy - so I'll be getting the landing gear as well and I'm thinking of mounting my transducer at the stern (PDL has pre-drilled holes for that), so putting the Landing Gear more towards the back may also benefit me. Thanks!
You are welcome! If your transducer is side-imaging, the prop may cause distortion. The instructions for mine made the point of putting it in front of the prop. I put mine in the wrong place - even though I only paddled - on my last kayak and could see every paddle stroke on the screen.
Hummm, yeah, good point. I am still deciding about the side imaging, if I just go with down-imaging, I'll be able to use the built in transducer-scupper. If I choose side-imaging, I may have to use a swing-arm like you did in your old boat.
I have a helix 7 SI/GPS (side Imaging)on order from what you have said would it be better to mount way up front to avoid the prop(my FD ships Monday) and paddle strokes? I sure hope we both greatly enjoy our yaks
Kayak Hacks Fishing lol! you are very welcome my friend. Some times i wish i was actually related to the owners of the company but i’m not 😔 lol. Happy Valentines Day to you and your wife.
I really like it, but have discovered there is a difference between being in paddle shape and pedal shape! I need to do conditioning runs to get my leg muscles ready for the season!
Congrats on the new kayak and thanks for the informative videos. I'm going to be getting a new kayak myself in a few months and I've narrowed my selection down to the Coosa FD or the Cruise FD. I would love the extra width, storage and stability of the Coosa but I'm concerned about transport. I have the Thule aeroblade system on top of my Ford Explorer and am concerned about weight and stability and what type of cradle will hold that hull shape and weight. You mentioned loading the Coosa on your truck. I would love to see a video of your rack system and how you load the boat. Thanks!
Here's the video showing my old kayak. I am using the same system for the Coosa. The only difference is the need to be careful of the rudder. I turn it as far to the side as possible so it does not scrape on the ground as I load it. ua-cam.com/video/13ALQ8NVAg4/v-deo.html
Thanks Steve. When you said "on your truck" I was thinking roof rack. I'm only a bit younger than you and I'll need help with getting the kayak up on the roof so I plan try something like this to get it on the Explorer-ua-cam.com/video/s7gQKKBV648/v-deo.html I still need to figure out how to cradle it due to the unusual shaped hull design. I too am making the transition from a Native (mine is the Ultimate 12) to the Jackson. The Native sat perfectly flat on my Aero Bars with padding on them. The cradles I'm seeing from Thule are rated for 70 lbs and the Coosa FD looks to be about 100 with seat and drive out. For the rudder, the walkthrough videos I've seen make it look super easy to pull the pin out and drop the rudder down and out of the boat. I was thinking that would be safest so I'm not bending or breaking the rudder or steering mechanisms when tipping on end.
The rudder comes out very easy - no problem there. I take the drive unit out before I lift - as you indicate - the boat is about 100 lbs. I would be nervous about doing what they did in the video with a boat this heavy. I think the rear window might break under the pressure. I am careful about the propeller unit when pushing the FD onto my truck. I get it halfway and then lift the prop unit over the bar so it does not bump over. Same on the unload. Maybe try what my buddy did with his Manta Ray in this video? ua-cam.com/video/1GrLiLInZEM/v-deo.html The key is the strength to lift one end to the right height. The rope they use in the video you referenced could help there. In fact, I think I'll do that on my truck load as well to keep the boonedox from rolling away from the truck. I'll pull the rope tight and wrap it around the bar and then finish the lift. Thanks for the link!
Another great video. Its hard to imagine life without my Jackson kayak. Looking forward to all the upcoming videos you'll have while rigging this new kayak out. What do you plan to do?
I need to sort the DIY improvements out. I have already done three minor ones. I need to have more time on the water to figure out the additional requirements.
Thanks for all the information you laid out and the spreadsheet. I am looking at doing the same. I currently have two jackson's and love them. I am curious if you considered the cruise FD? My list of needs includes weight and price. I am leaning towards the cruise but curious about your opinion. Compass and cruise are my first 2 currently.
Well I like the old town PDL, but you know, that is a nice yak. I think anything that gets you out there, is good. I will have to see If I can find one of those up here in Maine....but no hurry...still have to wait for ice out, and that wont be for a couple more months. Nice yak.
Congrats on the new yak! The Coosa HD is a very roomy yak. Hopefully Jackson got all the bugs in the their propeller system fixed as its relatively new to the Jackson kayak line when I tried it out two summers ago. I also like that with this yak, you have the option of changing out your pedal to a paddle or a motor (which you didn't mention, but I think Jackson allows you to do this). Also, I love the Boonedox Landing Gear (BLG) and use it myself. I know some people will use the existing track system right behind your seat, but with the weight of the BLG, it really needs to be firmly screwed into your yak. Did you use support material under the landing gear? Boonedox has had issues with yak hulls becoming deformed over time from the wheels being lowered and raised (I've seen this mentioned with the Hobie PA14). I believe they now suggest adding a 1/2" piece of HDPE underneath the yak hull to give the landing gear more material to bite into when it is installed. This is what I did with my yak. Also, I like your tow line idea as well.
smithmal are you talking about 1/2” thick piece of hdpe? I have the Landing gear on my Slayer Propel 13 and I used the backing plates that came with it. I started having problems where it looks like the backing plates the bolts and lg mount on the inside are about to rip through the kayak. I am going to relocate to the gear track on the back and fill the original holes with plastic.
Mike, yes. Basically the standard BLG backing plates are not large enough to disperse the weight of the landing gear effectively causing torque strain/hull deformation over time from raising/lowering the BLG. I called Boonedox to discuss this and they suggested that adding a layer of HDPE between the bottom of the hull and the backing plate has shown to decrease the strain of the BLG significantly. I believe that BLG also sells larger backing plates to help disperse the weight better, but I'm not sure how effective they are to eliminate hull deformation over the long run. If interested you can see the discussion on the HDPE amendment here: nativeownersgroup.com/topic/5137-boonedox-landing-gear/ Also, I don't think the BLG uses a locking nut with their hardware which should be used to make sure the BLG stays firmly in place on your hull without any wiggle (which can occur over the course of time). I would advise that you not use your rear track system to attach your BLG to your yak. Those track systems are not meant to hold a heavy component like the BLG and would most likely be damaged over the course of time. Most track systems do not use a backing plate and if they do, they aren't significant enough to disperse the torque strain that occurs from continuous BLG raising & lowering. I would keep your BLG where it is and add as large a piece of HDPE as you can under the hull.
smithmal thanks for the reply and the link. I am on the site as well but tend to stick to the Slayer Propel part. We have had the same discussion in there. Native has done testing on the gear trax along with Boonedox and found that trax was sufficient to hold the weight by adding another screw to the track. I have the kit and I’m going to give it a shot. If that doesn’t work then I will try what you have laid out.
Steve, will you be giving us an update soon on your impression of the Coosa after you have had it out a few times? Wondering if you actually use the rod holders...seat adjustment seemed combersome to me when I demoed the first time...are you getting used to the dual steering concept? Really look forward to your thoughts now that you have put some time in it...Thanks
Yes, I will. I already have some advice to fix some of the minor issues. I really like the dual steering since it gives me something to hold on to when pedalling.
When are you going to make a video of fishing it and how it performs in wind and chop. Waiting to hear your initial thoughts after fishing as I am looking to get this kayak, a titan 10.5, or an outback next month
Kayak Hacks Fishing No!! I need you out there testing!! I want this to be my first kayak, but I want to make sure. And you make awesome videos!!! I want to pull the trigger in March
Sounds like you're good-to-go. Thought I was going to be able to get on the water today with an unseasonal 70º temp forecast. However, intermittent rain, and 15-20mph winds canx'd that idea.
Now that you have had the coosa FD for a whole season, what is your opinion? Really considering a new kayak next spring. Love that 2019 outback (based on videos and my current is a 2005 outback), but I want to consider everything.
The best place for balance is behind the seat - no doubt about that. I put it on the back to keep the rear of the kayak off the ground when loading the kayak onto my truck. I can lift the front and have the boonedox support the stern while loading and unloading. It is harder to haul around the way I did it.
Kayak Hacks Fishing Thanks for the answer..BTW love the videos you do, real attention getter, I can tell you live for the passion of fishing and yaking
I will do it the same way as before with the over the side mount. There is the option to put it through a scupper, but I would not be able to pull it up when beaching. I will need to look at positioning to make sure I do not get interference from the prop.
Hey Steve: At 63, I'm not far behind you. That comment you made about the prop being "mistake-proofed" or displaced harmlessly when you forget it's deployed and you run aground or rub into oyster beds; please elaborate. I'm intrigued. Thanks for sharing.
The FD in the name stands for "flex drive." The drive is on a hinge and automatically moves when it hits an obstruction. It has the normal position for deep water and a second, shallow water position. In either position, it will fully retract when it hits something. Pretty sweet.
No, I did look at the 135. I eliminated it because the Jackson and Hobie would perform better in shallow water. You can see the ratings in the spreadsheet link in the description (I just updated the link so it works again).
@@KayakhacksFishing Thanks. Appreciate the reply. I just can't afford the Coosa. If I could buy it without the pedal system and then add it later I would do that in a heartbeat.
@@toddmiller2239 My ratings were based on what I needed and how I intended to use the kayak. You should take the spreadsheet and build your own ratings/criteria. It will help you figure out what is best for your situation.
I have not really been able to test it since there is always tidal current where I fish. I think this would be very hard to test since the kayak would need to be perfectly balanced with the same weight on either side.
Kayak Hacks Fishing thanks. The drive system looks ideal for us bay fisherman. Not sure I can justify the additional $1500 over the Pescador Pilot (which is now selling for $1499).
Sorry, I do not have a perspective on that accessory. I recommend you just contact Jackson and ask them to refer you to a source. Use the contact form at the bottom of their home page - www.jacksonadventures.com/
Taking my Coosa FD out for the first time this coming Sunday. I'm putting Gator Patches on the wear spots as a prophylactic measure. My BoonDox is mounted behind the seat, but I haul on a trailer-don't have to lift as high as if I used a truck bed.
After reading about hot weather and potential issues with surface flex with the Boonedox, I am installing some protective plates to mitigate the risk. Stay tuned for the video on that once I finish. I think we have to be careful given the weight of the FD.
Weight was the killer for me, I bought a Compass from Hobie, the prop drives are ok, but the Hobie can be feathered with mirage drive so I don't have to switch to paddling in shallow water! I don't care about reverse, I just go in small circles, I'm 65 years old and think the Hobie is superior in weight, cost, and I love the mirage drive! Oh did I mention how light it was after a full day of paddling to load by myself???
I mitigated it by selling my old kayak and got the price under $2k after accounting for the income from the sale. But... I agree. I do not know why these things cost so much.
If you are on a body of water without current or strong wind, something is wrong. I you lift up the back of the boat, set it to straight and see where the rudder is. If not straight, get with your dealer.
U will never hear a complaint out of me toward Jackson kayaks they are top notch but I am not sold on there drive yet. I have a big concern with the flexible drive line they put in it. Talked to a dealer rep this last weekend and they had no real input on these yet only thing he said was time will tell how they hold up. Wish they could partner with Hobie and use there yak and hobies drive! The one thing about hobies I do like is u can repair the drive your self and u can go just about anywhere in the world and find a Hobie dealer. This is just my 2 cents. Good luck and good fishing!
I like this Jaskson but, good lord.. seem too heavy for me to lift it on the back of truck bed…..I feeling embarrassing people looking 5’9” skinny guy try it dragging on back of truck. 🥵
I made videos documenting each step of my decision process to include reviews of other kayaks I looked at and a helpful spreadsheet you can use. Here is the playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL8egn41J7Go8Az2TP08DhoESCsAmdACVE.html
Congratulations on the new boat! Praying for many happy hours in it and lots of tightlines!
Also, I really like how well you documented your choosing process. There are so many yaks out there to choose from and they all bring something a little different to the water/rider. The videos you provided on this process will really help to provide a thoughtful guide for anyone interested in upgrading their yak to an advanced level fishing kayak. Usually you have to look/read bunches of videos/reviews to get a handle on all the different models out there which is time consuming and can be very confusing.
Thanks for those kind words. It all comes down to personal requirements in the end.
Great choice. If I hadn't invested so much money in my Outback (added 180 Drive, Landing Gear, H-bar, sailing kit and Hobie Evolve Motor) I would be contemplating selling it and getting one myself. I don't regret it. I have a great time in my Hobie. Thank you for being respectful towards other brands.
Now on my list for my next kayak for sure, thanks!
Congrats on the new yak! I’m glad to see you went with the Jackson. I was found of that one myself. I look forward to seeing many great videos shot from it!
Steve, Congrat's on the purchase and also on a very well thought out plan to get what's right for you! It's been fun comparing your spreadsheet to mine and seeing where different people/fishing scenarios/lakes/rivers all affect a persons decision process. It's still all ice on the water up here but come ice out I have my two kayaks left on my list ready to demo at the same time. I look forward to more of your video's and follow ups on the Coosa!
Many to follow! Hopefully, with fish!
Sounds like all great reasons you made the choice you did...congratulations! Looking forward to seeing videos of it in action!
Coming soon.... :-)
Congrats on the new kayak, it’s a beauty. Hope this season yields you stringers of fish, I just picked up an ascend 128t and can’t wait to get that thing on the water. Your videos have done wonders for my two kayaks as far as diy and small low budget but necessary hacks to make my outings more comfortable. Keep the great vids going and be safe out there.
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
Not sure I had the time to say Congrats on the NEW ride! Great looking kayak, can't wait for your unbiased review. Good luck with it!
Appreciate it!
Great pick!! is a nice upgrade for many years to come. Thanks for sharing
Looks like a great kayak, hope you enjoy it! For me my only concern would be getting it on & off the roof rack.. looking forward to this seasons videos
I would not put this one on a roof. I agree with you!
Congrats on the new kayak! I enjoy watching your videos. I look forward to watching more.
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
Excellent choice! Congratulations! Since I'm also an old geezer, I'll be buying one of those next year. beautiful yak.
Stay tuned as I put it thru the paces this season. Let's see if it will be as good as I think.
Congrats on the new yak! I'm excited to see what mods you are going to do.
congrats on your new kayak..we are excited to see some videos of you out on the water catching some fish in it soon!
Both of us! Extended range will put us on some better fish!
Great review. That does seem to be a well rounded kayak. Good job on the presentation.
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
I'm a small fella standing at a mere 6' 1" weighing 260 lbs. Too many reviews done by little dudes. Most people standing in a kayak are typically little people. I thoroughly enjoy my '09 Ride 135, but this looks like my next kayak. Thanks for the reply also.
Congratulations on a great choice! It’s the one I was pulling for (Jackson is kind of the home team in Tennessee). Looking forward to the videos of you in the boat! Love the color scheme, too!
lol - color scheme. I wanted a bright color to keep from being run over by powerboats. But, my wanted a subdued color so it would blend into the fence where I store it. Guess who won!
Shocking ! Here's a non-fishing tip....if you want the last two words in a spousal debate, just make them "yes, dear".
lol! After being married 42 years, I can affirm that you are exactly correct!!!
Great choice. I do recommend the Jackson Mesh Cargo Panel or the Berley Pro. I had extra mesh and made my own but it does come in handy with putting a few bags of your favorite soft plastics in.
I'll take a look at that - thanks for the tip
Good choice, I hope that you enjoy your new kayak.
Thanks! Appreciate it!
I look forward to watching your videos in your Jackson!
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
Nice... congrats on the new kayak.. great idea with the strap
Thanks! Appreciate it!
CONGRATULATIONS, you got urself a nice rig! Hope you really enjoy it!
I will - thanks!
Congrats on the new ride.
Congrats on the new yak, I am sure your going to love it. Just keep an eye on that landing gear. I started having issues with the bolt plates on the inside of my Slayer Propel 13. Especially on warmer NC days when the plastic really heats up.
Thank you very much for that point. Did they deform the boat?
Congratulations, I know you will love it! Putting the Landing Gear more towards the back to protect the rudder is a great idea! I took out my new Predator PDL for the first time today up hear in Raleigh today and I'll tell you, I figured out real quick the cheapo kayak cart I got, ain't going to cut it - that beast is heavy - so I'll be getting the landing gear as well and I'm thinking of mounting my transducer at the stern (PDL has pre-drilled holes for that), so putting the Landing Gear more towards the back may also benefit me. Thanks!
You are welcome! If your transducer is side-imaging, the prop may cause distortion. The instructions for mine made the point of putting it in front of the prop. I put mine in the wrong place - even though I only paddled - on my last kayak and could see every paddle stroke on the screen.
Hummm, yeah, good point. I am still deciding about the side imaging, if I just go with down-imaging, I'll be able to use the built in transducer-scupper. If I choose side-imaging, I may have to use a swing-arm like you did in your old boat.
Since side imaging does not cost much more and gives great capabilities, I would go with it.
I have a helix 7 SI/GPS (side Imaging)on order from what you have said would it be better to mount way up front to avoid the prop(my FD ships Monday) and paddle strokes? I sure hope we both greatly enjoy our yaks
We will!
You made the right choice my friend
Coming from an expert! Whew!
Thats awesome bud! Congrats on choosing the Jackson.
Coming from a Jackson! High praise! Thanks!
Kayak Hacks Fishing lol! you are very welcome my friend. Some times i wish i was actually related to the owners of the company but i’m not 😔 lol. Happy Valentines Day to you and your wife.
Thanks and same back to you!
Congratulations on your new kayak, it is a great choice! 🎣😃
I really like it, but have discovered there is a difference between being in paddle shape and pedal shape! I need to do conditioning runs to get my leg muscles ready for the season!
Nice this is one of three yaks I'm looking at getting!
Take a hard look and be sure to pick the one with the features that matter the most to you and the way you fish!
Congrats on the new kayak and thanks for the informative videos. I'm going to be getting a new kayak myself in a few months and I've narrowed my selection down to the Coosa FD or the Cruise FD. I would love the extra width, storage and stability of the Coosa but I'm concerned about transport. I have the Thule aeroblade system on top of my Ford Explorer and am concerned about weight and stability and what type of cradle will hold that hull shape and weight.
You mentioned loading the Coosa on your truck. I would love to see a video of your rack system and how you load the boat. Thanks!
Here's the video showing my old kayak. I am using the same system for the Coosa. The only difference is the need to be careful of the rudder. I turn it as far to the side as possible so it does not scrape on the ground as I load it. ua-cam.com/video/13ALQ8NVAg4/v-deo.html
Thanks Steve. When you said "on your truck" I was thinking roof rack. I'm only a bit younger than you and I'll need help with getting the kayak up on the roof so I plan try something like this to get it on the Explorer-ua-cam.com/video/s7gQKKBV648/v-deo.html
I still need to figure out how to cradle it due to the unusual shaped hull design. I too am making the transition from a Native (mine is the Ultimate 12) to the Jackson. The Native sat perfectly flat on my Aero Bars with padding on them. The cradles I'm seeing from Thule are rated for 70 lbs and the Coosa FD looks to be about 100 with seat and drive out.
For the rudder, the walkthrough videos I've seen make it look super easy to pull the pin out and drop the rudder down and out of the boat. I was thinking that would be safest so I'm not bending or breaking the rudder or steering mechanisms when tipping on end.
The rudder comes out very easy - no problem there. I take the drive unit out before I lift - as you indicate - the boat is about 100 lbs. I would be nervous about doing what they did in the video with a boat this heavy. I think the rear window might break under the pressure. I am careful about the propeller unit when pushing the FD onto my truck. I get it halfway and then lift the prop unit over the bar so it does not bump over. Same on the unload. Maybe try what my buddy did with his Manta Ray in this video? ua-cam.com/video/1GrLiLInZEM/v-deo.html
The key is the strength to lift one end to the right height. The rope they use in the video you referenced could help there. In fact, I think I'll do that on my truck load as well to keep the boonedox from rolling away from the truck. I'll pull the rope tight and wrap it around the bar and then finish the lift. Thanks for the link!
very nice choice of boat.
Another great video. Its hard to imagine life without my Jackson kayak. Looking forward to all the upcoming videos you'll have while rigging this new kayak out. What do you plan to do?
I need to sort the DIY improvements out. I have already done three minor ones. I need to have more time on the water to figure out the additional requirements.
FINALLY!
Like fine wine... it had to mature!
Congrats! Curious to know how the drive holds up.
We shall see!
Thanks for all the information you laid out and the spreadsheet. I am looking at doing the same. I currently have two jackson's and love them.
I am curious if you considered the cruise FD?
My list of needs includes weight and price. I am leaning towards the cruise but curious about your opinion.
Compass and cruise are my first 2 currently.
I think the cruise would be fine, I wanted more stability and a larger kayak in case I ever went insane and decide to fish offshore
Well I like the old town PDL, but you know, that is a nice yak. I think anything that gets you out there, is good. I will have to see If I can find one of those up here in Maine....but no hurry...still have to wait for ice out, and that wont be for a couple more months. Nice yak.
Thanks! If I did not have to contend with oyster beds, my choice would have been very different. That PDL is nice.
Congrats on the new yak! The Coosa HD is a very roomy yak. Hopefully Jackson got all the bugs in the their propeller system fixed as its relatively new to the Jackson kayak line when I tried it out two summers ago. I also like that with this yak, you have the option of changing out your pedal to a paddle or a motor (which you didn't mention, but I think Jackson allows you to do this). Also, I love the Boonedox Landing Gear (BLG) and use it myself. I know some people will use the existing track system right behind your seat, but with the weight of the BLG, it really needs to be firmly screwed into your yak. Did you use support material under the landing gear? Boonedox has had issues with yak hulls becoming deformed over time from the wheels being lowered and raised (I've seen this mentioned with the Hobie PA14). I believe they now suggest adding a 1/2" piece of HDPE underneath the yak hull to give the landing gear more material to bite into when it is installed. This is what I did with my yak. Also, I like your tow line idea as well.
smithmal are you talking about 1/2” thick piece of hdpe? I have the Landing gear on my Slayer Propel 13 and I used the backing plates that came with it. I started having problems where it looks like the backing plates the bolts and lg mount on the inside are about to rip through the kayak. I am going to relocate to the gear track on the back and fill the original holes with plastic.
Mike, yes. Basically the standard BLG backing plates are not large enough to disperse the weight of the landing gear effectively causing torque strain/hull deformation over time from raising/lowering the BLG. I called Boonedox to discuss this and they suggested that adding a layer of HDPE between the bottom of the hull and the backing plate has shown to decrease the strain of the BLG significantly. I believe that BLG also sells larger backing plates to help disperse the weight better, but I'm not sure how effective they are to eliminate hull deformation over the long run. If interested you can see the discussion on the HDPE amendment here: nativeownersgroup.com/topic/5137-boonedox-landing-gear/
Also, I don't think the BLG uses a locking nut with their hardware which should be used to make sure the BLG stays firmly in place on your hull without any wiggle (which can occur over the course of time).
I would advise that you not use your rear track system to attach your BLG to your yak. Those track systems are not meant to hold a heavy component like the BLG and would most likely be damaged over the course of time. Most track systems do not use a backing plate and if they do, they aren't significant enough to disperse the torque strain that occurs from continuous BLG raising & lowering. I would keep your BLG where it is and add as large a piece of HDPE as you can under the hull.
smithmal thanks for the reply and the link. I am on the site as well but tend to stick to the Slayer Propel part. We have had the same discussion in there. Native has done testing on the gear trax along with Boonedox and found that trax was sufficient to hold the weight by adding another screw to the track. I have the kit and I’m going to give it a shot. If that doesn’t work then I will try what you have laid out.
Thank you very much for this guidance. I have a thick sheet of HDPE I will add to the install.
enjoy man! biting the bullet as well in a few weeks. either pa14 camo or ivory
A great way to start the season!
Steve, will you be giving us an update soon on your impression of the Coosa after you have had it out a few times? Wondering if you actually use the rod holders...seat adjustment seemed combersome to me when I demoed the first time...are you getting used to the dual steering concept? Really look forward to your thoughts now that you have put some time in it...Thanks
Yes, I will. I already have some advice to fix some of the minor issues. I really like the dual steering since it gives me something to hold on to when pedalling.
Great boat, great job!
thanks! It was a hard choice!
When are you going to make a video of fishing it and how it performs in wind and chop. Waiting to hear your initial thoughts after fishing as I am looking to get this kayak, a titan 10.5, or an outback next month
We don't really start catching anything around here (or at least I don't start catching...) until the middle of April. Stay tuned.
Kayak Hacks Fishing No!! I need you out there testing!! I want this to be my first kayak, but I want to make sure. And you make awesome videos!!! I want to pull the trigger in March
lol! We start our seasonal recons this week!
Very nice
Congrats on the new rig, Steve! Looking fwd to future vids from the new vessel.
What's the length of the new rig?
It is 12' 7"
Can't wait to get it out beyond the demo
That length should prove beneficial on the waters you roam. If you don't have one yet, I recommend getting a Boone Dox T-Bone bed extender.
Thanks! I already have an extender I used on my old yak. I covered it with a rubber/fabric welcome mat to keep from scraping the hull.
Sounds like you're good-to-go. Thought I was going to be able to get on the water today with an unseasonal 70º temp forecast. However, intermittent rain, and 15-20mph winds canx'd that idea.
Now that you have had the coosa FD for a whole season, what is your opinion? Really considering a new kayak next spring. Love that 2019 outback (based on videos and my current is a 2005 outback), but I want to consider everything.
Yes, I am planning a video for November when the season ends. There are pros and there are cons! However, just to skip ahead, I would buy it again.
nice kayak looks like it was made for you.
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Steve what made you decide to mount the Boonedox landing gear where you did, I have seen it mounted right behind the seat
The best place for balance is behind the seat - no doubt about that. I put it on the back to keep the rear of the kayak off the ground when loading the kayak onto my truck. I can lift the front and have the boonedox support the stern while loading and unloading. It is harder to haul around the way I did it.
Kayak Hacks Fishing Thanks for the answer..BTW love the videos you do, real attention getter, I can tell you live for the passion of fishing and yaking
Is it that obvious? lol! Thanks
I actually fish and kayak in my dreams.lol
Where is the operation vid.
Steering foward/reverse/radius etc
I guess I need to make one. Thanks for the prod.
How do you plan on mounting your side scan transducer? Just curious about how you plan to keep it protected and still maximize the image. Thanks.
I will do it the same way as before with the over the side mount. There is the option to put it through a scupper, but I would not be able to pull it up when beaching. I will need to look at positioning to make sure I do not get interference from the prop.
Thanks Steve. I’ll look forward to a video detailing the install.
I've added it to my list!
:) please hurry LOL
How easy to stand up in it and do you feel comfortable standing and casting.
When I use a stand up assist rope, it is very easy and very stable.
Hey Steve: At 63, I'm not far behind you. That comment you made about the prop being "mistake-proofed" or displaced harmlessly when you forget it's deployed and you run aground or rub into oyster beds; please elaborate. I'm intrigued. Thanks for sharing.
The FD in the name stands for "flex drive." The drive is on a hinge and automatically moves when it hits an obstruction. It has the normal position for deep water and a second, shallow water position. In either position, it will fully retract when it hits something. Pretty sweet.
Thanks again!!
What do you think about the Wilderness Systems Radar 115? Did you consider it at all?
No, I did look at the 135. I eliminated it because the Jackson and Hobie would perform better in shallow water. You can see the ratings in the spreadsheet link in the description (I just updated the link so it works again).
@@KayakhacksFishing Thanks. Appreciate the reply. I just can't afford the Coosa. If I could buy it without the pedal system and then add it later I would do that in a heartbeat.
@@toddmiller2239 My ratings were based on what I needed and how I intended to use the kayak. You should take the spreadsheet and build your own ratings/criteria. It will help you figure out what is best for your situation.
Nice choice. The dry bag is not a true dry bag. It only offers splash protection not submersion protection. Enjoy your new kayak. Be safe⚓️
Thanks for that tip!
How does it track when the rudder control is set in the straight position?
I have not really been able to test it since there is always tidal current where I fish. I think this would be very hard to test since the kayak would need to be perfectly balanced with the same weight on either side.
Kayak Hacks Fishing thanks. The drive system looks ideal for us bay fisherman. Not sure I can justify the additional $1500 over the Pescador Pilot (which is now selling for $1499).
I know. I had to choke pretty hard to buy this, but the shallow water capabilities pushed me to this option.
Need a Stand up Bar for my Coosa can you help?
Sorry, I do not have a perspective on that accessory. I recommend you just contact Jackson and ask them to refer you to a source. Use the contact form at the bottom of their home page - www.jacksonadventures.com/
NICE! Enjoy your new yak. Cant wait to see some vids of the mods and such.
I went with the Lure 13.5. Loving it so far.
Perfect! We are both set for the coming season!
Taking my Coosa FD out for the first time this coming Sunday. I'm putting Gator Patches on the wear spots as a prophylactic measure. My BoonDox is mounted behind the seat, but I haul on a trailer-don't have to lift as high as if I used a truck bed.
Cuivre Thats awesome! Enjoy it!
I am in my garage making an anchor pin for mine so I can anchor fast and ninja like on the flats! Lol
After reading about hot weather and potential issues with surface flex with the Boonedox, I am installing some protective plates to mitigate the risk. Stay tuned for the video on that once I finish. I think we have to be careful given the weight of the FD.
Weight was the killer for me, I bought a Compass from Hobie, the prop drives are ok, but the Hobie can be feathered with mirage drive so I don't have to switch to paddling in shallow water! I don't care about reverse, I just go in small circles, I'm 65 years old and think the Hobie is superior in weight, cost, and I love the mirage drive! Oh did I mention how light it was after a full day of paddling to load by myself???
Congratulations on your new fishing machine! I think its a nice boat, but the price grabs me by the throat.
I mitigated it by selling my old kayak and got the price under $2k after accounting for the income from the sale. But... I agree. I do not know why these things cost so much.
If I can afford only one kayak for offshore fishing would you recommend COOSA?
Since I do not fish offshore, I really can't make a recommendation - sorry!
I just purchased the Coosa FD. The rudder control has a setting for "straight" but boat goes in a circle? Is this normal?
If you are on a body of water without current or strong wind, something is wrong. I you lift up the back of the boat, set it to straight and see where the rudder is. If not straight, get with your dealer.
Enjoy the now boat
U will never hear a complaint out of me toward Jackson kayaks they are top notch but I am not sold on there drive yet. I have a big concern with the flexible drive line they put in it. Talked to a dealer rep this last weekend and they had no real input on these yet only thing he said was time will tell how they hold up. Wish they could partner with Hobie and use there yak and hobies drive! The one thing about hobies I do like is u can repair the drive your self and u can go just about anywhere in the world and find a Hobie dealer. This is just my 2 cents. Good luck and good fishing!
I’ll let everyone know how it goes
that was NEW
But NOW also applies!
I sold all my other kayaks and accessories to justify my Coosa FD purchase. Sold a bunch of camping gear to justify my e drive.
Can I ask..how old you are...I'm 65
I'll be 67 in May
@@KayakhacksFishing I just hope I can handle a kayak
There are lighter ones that these heavy pedal models. If you are willing to paddle, some are easy to manage.
A great kayak, but for that price it should be!
There is no excuse for any kayak to cost this much. I wonder what the margin is.
Probably don't sell that many, so markup not great. I'm more into bolting a rod holder onto a cheap kayak...
Cup holders matter 😉😉hahahahahaha
I like this Jaskson but, good lord.. seem too heavy for me to lift it on the back of truck bed…..I feeling embarrassing people looking 5’9” skinny guy try it dragging on back of truck. 🥵
I'm with you! Here is a video on how I deal with the heavy kayak - ua-cam.com/video/rNkdQ0kcZmo/v-deo.html
@@KayakhacksFishing Well I be Dang! That was clever smart!! You make it looks so simple and easy!! Thank You 🙏
Did he say the "but" word???!!! Demonetized! Lol
Oh no!
You went from a kayak to a paddle boat thats hull resembles a kayak.
lol