I love it when people can admit faults in pieces of equipment they buy. That's one of the ways companies get feedback and improve (if they care enough).
Well done! It's easy to see that the positives outweigh the negatives for you, but you also make it clear that there are little quirks that get you. That is the first close examination of that drive unit I have seen, it is quite innovative! The great thing about reviews like this is it is exactly what Jackson needs when thier designers are working on future releases. That is, feedback from the guys who actually use thier kayaks!!!
You can only get so much of a feel from doing a demo ride. It is only after hours of use, you really figure things out. I am surprised that Jackson had the huge miss on the sliding tray and the seat. They sell a lumbar support add-on... for the price of this boat, all those types of things should be included.
I love mine, it's not the pedal drive but it is the best...this is from a guy who grew up less than an hour from Old Town Maine. Jackson is the ROLLS Royce of Kayaks.
Great review. I purchased the Coosa FD in September of 2018 to fish lakes and ponds. I have been happy with the Coosa overall. I haven’t been to happy with the way the Coosa tracks. I love the stability and I use the fishing rod holders on the side! Thanks for producing great videos!
Very good review. I also had a problem storing the rudder and some other items in the front and rear storage areas during transport; the items wiggled their way up into the cavity of the boat and took a while to "fish" out. I purchased some foam rubber and wedged it into the openings to keep the items from getting stuck again.
I should have mentioned that. I do not have the problem now since I filled the center of the inside with 30 pool noodles for additional floatation for when (not if) I flip.
Good, unbiased review, Steve. Maybe install some keel guard type material on the leading edge of the prop unit that takes the impact to kick it up when hitting obstructions/oyster beds. I like the idea of the sound-dampening mat'l in the rear deck well. Might have to look at doing that for my rig.
The mat was a cut out from a cheap Walmart yoga mat that costs around $7. Works great. Good idea on the guard. That Gator material might work well for that! Another winter project!
Great review! Very thoughtful and thoroughly done. I do not have a kayak but thinking of getting one with peddles, but I like to fly fish. The Mayfly looked interesting but so does this Coosa.
Great, honest review, which is much appreciated. There so many reviews out there that are "bought and paid for" through brand sponsorships. I can't entirely fault them for that (people have to make a living after all), but it's refreshing not to have interpret a review around a sponsorship. I have to say, short of the Hobie (and now Pelican) "flipper" drive design, the Jackson pedal drive has got to be the most innovative, and especially useful for inshore, shallow water fishing. I have to be honest, Jackson wasn't even on my radar for a future pedal drive purchase, but now for the drive alone I may have to consider them. Thanks again!
Just my 2 cents since owning a Coosa FD and also a 2019 Outback. The rear storage behind the seat could be longer, no need for such a huge hatch opening in the rear that is rarely used and not really accessible on the water. Allows room for crate and cooler. I ended up modding my rudder using a native titan rudder, tracks and steers 100% better. Drive had issues, began to lock up in forward only, but has since been fixed and customer service is awesome. Other than that overall great kayak. I fish mainly salt water 99% of time
I'm interested in what you did. All I could find online was the rudder kit at $300 (nativewatercraft.com/product/rudder-kit/) Were you able to find the rudder at a more economical price?
Great vid. I’ve only been able to take it out once, but boy is it heavy. Had to have a friend help me tilt it in the water to get the wheel arm on. On the water it is nice. I’ve noticed the seat straps tend to loosen too easily.
Thanks for the great review! When I was looking for my kayak a few months ago I looked at this one due to the drive system as I too fish in shallow water. For me the immediate deal killers were no center storage hatch and the really small rear tank well. I felt like the tray beneath the seat was a really bad design. I personally don't care for a rear storage hatch that isn't accessible while on the water. Waste of space IMO. A center storage hatch to me is invaluable. Having a place to store my tackle with quick access keeps me organized. The seat was also a negative to me. When I sat in it I too thought the seat was really upright. Maybe there's an adjustment for that. In the end I went with a Hobie and have absolutely no regrets. If Jackson ever comes out with a version of the Boatworks 360 that isn't as wide (say 36"-39") I would have to take a long hard look at it. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
I should have mentioned both those things. The rear hatch opens backward... I wonder if they had to do that because of the rudder. I guess I solved the center hatch issue with the butt pack strapped to my seat.
@@KayakhacksFishing Tanks for great videos. Subscribed. I use a toon and kayak. I put them on $750 light duty 5x8 new trailer from Tractor Store Best mod I have done for years. I recommend a trailer system to all kayakers, pontooners. I keep everything ready to go in garage, rods, boxes etc. I launch everything now instead of lifting or dragging, using PITA wheels etc. I tow everything with 4 cyl Sonoma pickup with shell to sleep in at times I am retired, so all I want to do is pack a lunch and go. Next mod will be a crank system to pull up vessels from water. Good luck.
Love the retractable prop, the drive unit itself isn’t my favourite. They recommend greasing once a year but I’ve found that you need to grease it a couple times a year otherwise it’ll start getting pretty squeaky towards the end of the season. I also had a problem with one of my pedals getting turned out while I used it, although I think that might be a somewhat unique problem.
The straps on the bottom that go side to side under the seat are a fail... one popped free and they're just barely long enough to thread thru the first slot while pulling the seat material as tight as I possibly can...i still have yet to refasten that strap ... the 2 in the middle running front 2 back loosened and will no longer stay tight until I rethread the other..so for now I'm sitting on a cushion to level out my bottom....very irritating
The ONLY advantage I see over my Old Town Sportsman 120 is that rudder system. SLIGHTLY easier to clear weeds, but certainly not work another $1000 in cost!
I would buy mine again and I'm toying with the idea of getting the BigRigFD, my balance is not what it once was and I'm not quite a svelte as you Steve. On the keel (hull high or low points if you weren't a sailor), have you considered a sacrificial layer of duct tape or other appropriate bonding protective layer? I was hoping you would have one to recommend.
I put the Gator Guards on my old kayak and they are really solid. But.... I worried about what would happen when they eroded. The instructions said you could put another layer on, but that was it. Soooo... I think I would rather just slap some more HDPE on to repair any dings than risk not being able to repair at all if the worst case occurred with the Gators.
I believe so. On the affordable side, they came out with a new steering system and new rudder that tracks better. In addition, they have a new, better flex drive system. Sadly, it is not affordable to upgrade to that.
Very informative video. I was trying to find out information on a Jackson Cruise FD. I know the Coosa is different but they should be very similar. I have never owned a kayak just canoes. I am going tomorrow or Saturday to look at a Jackson Cruise FD that I saw online. It is a 2018 and he says it has only seen the water 3 times. The price is $1,450 firm and I will be using it to fish shallow rivers for mostly cat fish and bream for bait. I will probably only be going out in it about 20 times a year do you think this would be a good buy and a dependable kayak? Thanks ahead of time for any info.
I just looked around and the Jackson website no longer lists the Cruise as a model - so it has been discontinued. I looked around and saw new ones advertised for around $1,850. The Cruise is a smaller version of the Coosa and will excel in shallow water. Given the one you are looking at is 2 years old, I would try and get it down a bit. Show up with cash (if you trust the seller) and pull out $1,200 and see if he takes it and negotiate from there. A 2018 model will not have the two new features JK is rolling out on the Coosa. The Coosa has a new rudder and new, innovative pedal drive that is quieter than the old one like I have. Check the drive unit before you buy it. Operate the pedals and listen for any crunching or unusual sounds. Check out the propeller and make sure all three blades look good. Also, get the kit from him that came with the kayak that has the plates to change the pitch of the propeller so you can change it from aggressive to easy depending on your pedal style. Finally, turn the boat over and look closely for any cracks. Be sure and check the inside of the scupper holes.
@@KayakhacksFishing Ok, thanks for all the information. Hopefully it looks good, going to look at it tomorrow if the rain stops. We are meeting at a bank straight across from the police department. He said it is practically new since he only took it out 3 times. Thanks for letting me know about the kit to change the pedal style.
The biggest thing people need to remember is the coosa was designed from the start to be a river fishing kayak. just like with everything in kayaking everything is a tradeoff. Want better tracking you lose maneuverability. The coosa was designed to have more maneuverability in rivers and currents.
@@KayakhacksFishing Yep there are many jackson videos on the coosa where they talk about it. Remember they started as a whitewater kayak company. The coosa was their first fishing kayak and was intended for rivers though it works well on lakes too.
im pleased about everything on the coosa fd but im going to have to work on the rudder system when i purchase it this year :), any more issues, can you at least fish with 1 hand and steer with the other?
Yes, you can fish and steer at the same time. To make steering easier, I recommend doing something like I did - ua-cam.com/video/Vwoqn0qdqCY/v-deo.html
Excellent review, but IMO, the biggest negative is the price itself. Unfortunately, people are shelling out for these things, so they are going to charge what the market will bear... basic economics. I'm a bit more practical with my money... I have a 13' SportsPal Canoe that weighs half as much, and is far more stable. I have it outfitted with a Minn Kota 55 Endura Max with two 29 series batteries, a micro-anchor, and I'm still many hundreds of $ in pocket better than this 'yak without ANY upgrades. On top of that, I have a ton more room, and everything is in FRONT of me... no fumbling around under or behind the seat. Same draft or better, I can easily go solo, or bring the wife and/or son without without needing additional crafts.
I'm happy that you like your setup and only here to offer counterpoints, not argue. 1. Many of us still enjoy powering the craft ourselves and avoiding having to pay for and deal with registering our kayaks. And lugging around batteries and motors. 2. This kayak can't fill up with water like a canoe. 3. My Hobie Compass is about 2K and there are now pedal kayaks that are around $1,500.
Just bought a New 2018 Jackson Cruise FD, so far the biggest problem is the water level is level with the Floor of the kayak. Which makes water flood inside onto the Floor. Booo... Jackson It’s Surprising Stable while standing up. Compared to my 2020 Hobie PA14.
Kayak reviews: ua-cam.com/play/PL8egn41J7Go8Az2TP08DhoESCsAmdACVE.html
You march to the beat of your own drum. Thanks for the honest review.
Thanks! Appreciate it!
I love it when people can admit faults in pieces of equipment they buy. That's one of the ways companies get feedback and improve (if they care enough).
I hope so!
Well done! It's easy to see that the positives outweigh the negatives for you, but you also make it clear that there are little quirks that get you. That is the first close examination of that drive unit I have seen, it is quite innovative!
The great thing about reviews like this is it is exactly what Jackson needs when thier designers are working on future releases. That is, feedback from the guys who actually use thier kayaks!!!
You can only get so much of a feel from doing a demo ride. It is only after hours of use, you really figure things out. I am surprised that Jackson had the huge miss on the sliding tray and the seat. They sell a lumbar support add-on... for the price of this boat, all those types of things should be included.
I have to agree with you. The tray seemed to be an afterthought, not something they planned and tried out before release.
Another great video and we always trust that you are honest.
I love mine, it's not the pedal drive but it is the best...this is from a guy who grew up less than an hour from Old Town Maine. Jackson is the ROLLS Royce of Kayaks.
I agree. It is the best option for me.
Great review. I purchased the Coosa FD in September of 2018 to fish lakes and ponds. I have been happy with the Coosa overall. I haven’t been to happy with the way the Coosa tracks. I love the stability and I use the fishing rod holders on the side! Thanks for producing great videos!
You should look at the DIY video I linked up - ua-cam.com/video/gX1CZFJNjnY/v-deo.html
Very good review. I also had a problem storing the rudder and some other items in the front and rear storage areas during transport; the items wiggled their way up into the cavity of the boat and took a while to "fish" out. I purchased some foam rubber and wedged it into the openings to keep the items from getting stuck again.
I should have mentioned that. I do not have the problem now since I filled the center of the inside with 30 pool noodles for additional floatation for when (not if) I flip.
@@KayakhacksFishing Hmmmm...good idea with the pool noodles. I have been thinking of installing a small bilge pump.
Good, unbiased review, Steve. Maybe install some keel guard type material on the leading edge of the prop unit that takes the impact to kick it up when hitting obstructions/oyster beds.
I like the idea of the sound-dampening mat'l in the rear deck well. Might have to look at doing that for my rig.
The mat was a cut out from a cheap Walmart yoga mat that costs around $7. Works great. Good idea on the guard. That Gator material might work well for that! Another winter project!
Awesome video.
I actually just bought a coosa fd.
Haven't even picked it up yet.
Thanks for posting.
Great review! Very thoughtful and thoroughly done. I do not have a kayak but thinking of getting one with peddles, but I like to fly fish. The Mayfly looked interesting but so does this Coosa.
Nice Review. First time I've caught the importance of this particular drive unit. Thanks. Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
Great review. Another positive, unlike most kayak rudders. This does not hang below the hulls keel, allowing objects to impact or stop forward motion.
Good point! Thanks!
Great, honest review, which is much appreciated. There so many reviews out there that are "bought and paid for" through brand sponsorships. I can't entirely fault them for that (people have to make a living after all), but it's refreshing not to have interpret a review around a sponsorship. I have to say, short of the Hobie (and now Pelican) "flipper" drive design, the Jackson pedal drive has got to be the most innovative, and especially useful for inshore, shallow water fishing. I have to be honest, Jackson wasn't even on my radar for a future pedal drive purchase, but now for the drive alone I may have to consider them. Thanks again!
I could have a pedal drive in my environment without that quick clean feature along with the retractable drive!
Great review sir. you got yourself a subscriber
Much appreciated!
Thanks for your experiences!
Great in depth review
Just my 2 cents since owning a Coosa FD and also a 2019 Outback. The rear storage behind the seat could be longer, no need for such a huge hatch opening in the rear that is rarely used and not really accessible on the water. Allows room for crate and cooler. I ended up modding my rudder using a native titan rudder, tracks and steers 100% better. Drive had issues, began to lock up in forward only, but has since been fixed and customer service is awesome. Other than that overall great kayak. I fish mainly salt water 99% of time
I'm interested in what you did. All I could find online was the rudder kit at $300 (nativewatercraft.com/product/rudder-kit/) Were you able to find the rudder at a more economical price?
@@KayakhacksFishing hopefully this link works to Jackson kayak page
m.facebook.com/groups/1111999428856616?view=permalink&id=1962057717184112
Since you have both, how does the Coosa compare to the Outback? I'm currently considering Jackson vs Hobie vs Old Town for my first kayak.
Great review!
Thanks!
Great vid. I’ve only been able to take it out once, but boy is it heavy. Had to have a friend help me tilt it in the water to get the wheel arm on. On the water it is nice. I’ve noticed the seat straps tend to loosen too easily.
I have not had a problem with my straps... yet.
Thanks for the great review! When I was looking for my kayak a few months ago I looked at this one due to the drive system as I too fish in shallow water. For me the immediate deal killers were no center storage hatch and the really small rear tank well. I felt like the tray beneath the seat was a really bad design. I personally don't care for a rear storage hatch that isn't accessible while on the water. Waste of space IMO. A center storage hatch to me is invaluable. Having a place to store my tackle with quick access keeps me organized. The seat was also a negative to me. When I sat in it I too thought the seat was really upright. Maybe there's an adjustment for that. In the end I went with a Hobie and have absolutely no regrets. If Jackson ever comes out with a version of the Boatworks 360 that isn't as wide (say 36"-39") I would have to take a long hard look at it.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
I should have mentioned both those things. The rear hatch opens backward... I wonder if they had to do that because of the rudder. I guess I solved the center hatch issue with the butt pack strapped to my seat.
great review, love your style and honesty. will this kayak be too heavy to load on top of my car if you’re alone?
Yes. It is very heavy.
@@KayakhacksFishing Tanks for great videos. Subscribed. I use a toon and kayak. I put them on $750 light duty 5x8 new trailer from Tractor Store Best mod I have done for years. I recommend a trailer system to all kayakers, pontooners. I keep everything ready to go in garage, rods, boxes etc. I launch everything now instead of lifting or dragging, using PITA wheels etc. I tow everything with 4 cyl Sonoma pickup with shell to sleep in at times I am retired, so all I want to do is pack a lunch and go. Next mod will be a crank system to pull up vessels from water. Good luck.
@@DownTheRabbit-Hole I think a trailer is in my future!
Love the retractable prop, the drive unit itself isn’t my favourite. They recommend greasing once a year but I’ve found that you need to grease it a couple times a year otherwise it’ll start getting pretty squeaky towards the end of the season. I also had a problem with one of my pedals getting turned out while I used it, although I think that might be a somewhat unique problem.
I agree. I lube mine at least twice a year. I wonder if the new version solved the problem.
Great review of the boat !!!
I luv that yak....I want one, right now I am in an old town predator mx and want to upgrade to the Jackson Coosa or big rig..thank you for sharing
I tell you, the key feature of the Coosa FD is the retractable prop. Sooooo easy to clear weeds.
Ya sold me. Going to buy one next week.
I have no regrets - be sure you get the NEW model with the new 3D flex drive or get a huge discount for taking one with the drive model I have.
Can I steal the tittle? Brutally honest reviews 🤣
Go for it!! You certainly qualify as being objective.
Great video, thanks
The straps on the bottom that go side to side under the seat are a fail... one popped free and they're just barely long enough to thread thru the first slot while pulling the seat material as tight as I possibly can...i still have yet to refasten that strap ... the 2 in the middle running front 2 back loosened and will no longer stay tight until I rethread the other..so for now I'm sitting on a cushion to level out my bottom....very irritating
I agree. My rear end has pushed a depression in the seat and I cannot tighten the straps enough
My wife said she also hates floppy bungees. It's clear that Jackson Kayak should watch this video and make corrections.
Don't we all! lol
The ONLY advantage I see over my Old Town Sportsman 120 is that rudder system. SLIGHTLY easier to clear weeds, but certainly not work another $1000 in cost!
Kayaks are very personal. You have to match the boat to your environment and personality
Do you know anything about the big rig are the as stable as this one .?
I have not used it, but I have heard it is very stable.
I would buy mine again and I'm toying with the idea of getting the BigRigFD, my balance is not what it once was and I'm not quite a svelte as you Steve.
On the keel (hull high or low points if you weren't a sailor), have you considered a sacrificial layer of duct tape or other appropriate bonding protective layer? I was hoping you would have one to recommend.
I put the Gator Guards on my old kayak and they are really solid. But.... I worried about what would happen when they eroded. The instructions said you could put another layer on, but that was it. Soooo... I think I would rather just slap some more HDPE on to repair any dings than risk not being able to repair at all if the worst case occurred with the Gators.
Has Jackson done any upgrades or addressed any of the negatives you stated since your review?
I believe so. On the affordable side, they came out with a new steering system and new rudder that tracks better. In addition, they have a new, better flex drive system. Sadly, it is not affordable to upgrade to that.
Very informative video. I was trying to find out information on a Jackson Cruise FD. I know the Coosa is different but they should be very similar. I have never owned a kayak just canoes. I am going tomorrow or Saturday to look at a Jackson Cruise FD that I saw online. It is a 2018 and he says it has only seen the water 3 times. The price is $1,450 firm and I will be using it to fish shallow rivers for mostly cat fish and bream for bait. I will probably only be going out in it about 20 times a year do you think this would be a good buy and a dependable kayak? Thanks ahead of time for any info.
I just looked around and the Jackson website no longer lists the Cruise as a model - so it has been discontinued. I looked around and saw new ones advertised for around $1,850. The Cruise is a smaller version of the Coosa and will excel in shallow water. Given the one you are looking at is 2 years old, I would try and get it down a bit. Show up with cash (if you trust the seller) and pull out $1,200 and see if he takes it and negotiate from there. A 2018 model will not have the two new features JK is rolling out on the Coosa. The Coosa has a new rudder and new, innovative pedal drive that is quieter than the old one like I have.
Check the drive unit before you buy it. Operate the pedals and listen for any crunching or unusual sounds. Check out the propeller and make sure all three blades look good. Also, get the kit from him that came with the kayak that has the plates to change the pitch of the propeller so you can change it from aggressive to easy depending on your pedal style. Finally, turn the boat over and look closely for any cracks. Be sure and check the inside of the scupper holes.
@@KayakhacksFishing Ok, thanks for all the information. Hopefully it looks good, going to look at it tomorrow if the rain stops. We are meeting at a bank straight across from the police department. He said it is practically new since he only took it out 3 times. Thanks for letting me know about the kit to change the pedal style.
What year is your kayak?
Dec 2017
The biggest thing people need to remember is the coosa was designed from the start to be a river fishing kayak. just like with everything in kayaking everything is a tradeoff. Want better tracking you lose maneuverability. The coosa was designed to have more maneuverability in rivers and currents.
I did not know that.
@@KayakhacksFishing Yep there are many jackson videos on the coosa where they talk about it. Remember they started as a whitewater kayak company. The coosa was their first fishing kayak and was intended for rivers though it works well on lakes too.
@@MysticalDragon73 Yep... it seems all their emails are about the whitewater products.
im pleased about everything on the coosa fd but im going to have to work on the rudder system when i purchase it this year :), any more issues, can you at least fish with 1 hand and steer with the other?
Yes, you can fish and steer at the same time. To make steering easier, I recommend doing something like I did - ua-cam.com/video/Vwoqn0qdqCY/v-deo.html
@@KayakhacksFishing indeed i will, as i have a weak grip due to injury, thank you good sir
How wide is it
It is 35"
Excellent review, but IMO, the biggest negative is the price itself. Unfortunately, people are shelling out for these things, so they are going to charge what the market will bear... basic economics. I'm a bit more practical with my money... I have a 13' SportsPal Canoe that weighs half as much, and is far more stable. I have it outfitted with a Minn Kota 55 Endura Max with two 29 series batteries, a micro-anchor, and I'm still many hundreds of $ in pocket better than this 'yak without ANY upgrades. On top of that, I have a ton more room, and everything is in FRONT of me... no fumbling around under or behind the seat. Same draft or better, I can easily go solo, or bring the wife and/or son without without needing additional crafts.
I'm happy that you like your setup and only here to offer counterpoints, not argue. 1. Many of us still enjoy powering the craft ourselves and avoiding having to pay for and deal with registering our kayaks. And lugging around batteries and motors. 2. This kayak can't fill up with water like a canoe. 3. My Hobie Compass is about 2K and there are now pedal kayaks that are around $1,500.
Crazy that a 3000 dollar kayak does not come with a paddle!!
You know.... I never thought of that! You are right!
Just bought a New 2018 Jackson Cruise FD, so far the biggest problem is the water level is level with the Floor of the kayak.
Which makes water flood inside onto the Floor. Booo... Jackson
It’s Surprising Stable while standing up. Compared to my 2020 Hobie PA14.
Wow. I wonder if they changed something. I have loaded mine with around 350 lbs of stuff (including me) and have not had that problem.