Jackson Cruise FD Torture Test: Could We Break it?

It has been a saga dealing with this boat, but I think in the end the customers are the real winners. We kinda held Jackson's feet to the fire and it seems to have paid off. Thanks to everyone who has followed along on this story. We will have the new Jackson Boonedox rudders available as soon as they are released!
Happy Paddlin!
=========================================
Thank for joining us today
Please do not forget to subscribe and drop us a like!
=========================================
For more information head over to www.headwatersk...
Or call us at [phone]
Facebook / headwaterskayak
Instagram www.instagram....
========================================= Ready to Get on the Water? Use our Affiliate Links to Purchase:
FeelFree Kayaks: www.feelfreeus...
3Waters Kayaks: www.3waterskay...
Jonny Boats: jonnyboats.com...
Seastream Kayaks: www.seastreamk...

[@Chaucerfaux1]

Its company like Jackson that instead of cutting the ties due to a bad review, instead look at the bigger picture, deal with the issues and do their best to resolve them. I say they did a great job taking what you said to heart and improving the quality of the drive and rudder system. Kudos to both company's, that's how you keep customers for life .

[@jerry-381]

Good to see Jackson working hard to address those issues!

[@88mikemoody]

As a Jackson Cruise FD owner, I appreciate this video. I just got done working with Jackson on the rudder control upgrade and they've been awesome to work with. When I called them, I immediately got a live person who was very helpful. Personally, I modified my rudder by adding a piece to the bottom so it extends further down in the water and added a bungie cord so it bounces back if it hits something but I am very interested in the Boonedox product.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Michael Moody it will be on my site for preorder soon.

[@Arron-if9rb]

Live personnel is better than robots lol

[@lexwaldez]

If Jackson can make that new pedal drive quiet I think they've got a winner.

[@tennesseekayakfishing5691]

Loved the whole series. Jackson Kayaks is a great Tennessee company.

[@Sanctified_Leather]

Thanks for the new update !!! Great Job 👍👍. Not a bad Yak

[@vinceimp9581]

It's nice to see a company stand behind their products and remain open to improvements. I will be in the market for a pedal drive down the road here and seeing the features Jackson has makes me even more excited that the new drive and boondocks rudder make it a real contender and performer. Maybe some weight capacity performance reviews sometime? I'm going to do some hunting and camping with my kayaks so knowing how they do loaded down would be of great interest to me and maybe others. Thx

[@herewegofans]

@6:25 Pro status when you can shift boats with Milo and no issues. Good video. Have chance to grab a cheap 2018 JC Cruise FD and checked you out. Hobie is the king in the space, but a spare boat is always helpful when friends need outdoor therapy too. Great video, and thanks for explaining JD drive issues.

[@dixee6498]

Nice video. But I'd still like to see how any of these would compare to Wilderness Systems.

[@lexwaldez]

Really glad you did the follow up. Good on you for doing honest reviews. Good on Jackson for handling it the way you'd want it handled. Own it, improve it, support it. Makes me respect Jackson Kayak Co. The list grows shorter and I think they make the cut of kayaks I have to demo this summer. Thank you so much.

[@gary4645]

Good customer service means everything. Kudos to Jackson.

[@USA-sx1xi]

Thanks Dan and Matt for the video. Hopefully this updated jackson drive will be bullet proof and Jackson will trade back my 2018 drive for the updated version on my Coosa Fd. Man Boonedox please get this Rudder available soon✌

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Bobby Luffman Jr they are on order. I ordered 60 which will be here as soon as they are available. I’ll do a post to update you when they are available to purchase online.

[@USA-sx1xi]

@@HeadwatersKayak Awesome definitely will get one from you. Thanks for letting to me know.

[@sportsmobile8328]

Great job on the video as usual !!! I knew Jackson would step up with the improvements on there drive. Cudos Jackson for standing behind your products. Like I said a week ago In a world of youtube and social media it would be suicide as a company to not stand behind your products. Keep on Yakin

[@hopnguyen1695]

Thank you for the work you are doing. My two major complaints about my Coosa FD are the weight and the tracking. I hope the boonedox rudder comes out soon!

[@danielburnside1606]

Thanks for the follow up review with the new drive unit and Boondox rudder. Defiantly appears to be a much better watercraft with the new systems.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Daniel Burnside I agree 100^

[@wannabetraveler6595]

I’ll say this Dan, if nobody buys kayaks after watching you, then they don’t really know what they’re doing. You guys really put kayaks to test. Great job, again.

[@ronniepatterson2827]

Wannabe Traveler lol Thats sooo damn true ! Best yakkin site around imo . I can spot a salesman playin a role , a mile away . Dan & Co. love this sport / hobby like we do , & maybe more ? #loveit

[@mariafishnfooorivas3858]

I think Jackson did an awesome job responding to your constructive criticism! Not all companies take the high road! Jackson proved they are a ligit company willing to make things better and build a solid rep!! Go Jackson!! Good on Headwaters for their honest reviews and the courage to be honest!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Maria fishnfooo Rivas yes for sure. Other companies I work with don’t listen at all. They just say it’s good enough, customers aren’t complaining etc. They just shoot themselves in the foot.

[@nashguy2814]

Jackson should come out with a 10 foot x 34'' W FD for those people that car top such as myself , slayer 10 propel gets it done both on/off the water. Would love a 10 FD.

[@timjones6637]

Find anything better with 10’ and 34 “ ? New 12’ 7” is too much weight and too long to handle it.

[@nashguy2814]

@@timjones6637 Bin enjoying my Slayer propel 10 ( original ) since 2019 . Native now has the Max 10 which is actually heavier than the original , glad I got mine when I did....lol

[@timjones6637]

@@nashguy2814 lucky man 👍🏻

[@TCoffman]

I really appreciate your videos, and as an owner of the Coosa FD I'm excited to see this new drive video.

[@dennishamm5721]

Solid testing! You got design engineers out of the office and to build a better drive.

[@michaelnicolaysen7391]

Stoked for that rudder to come out.

[@randybrown9729]

I have the Bite fd ordered. You could really torture test it by going backwards as fast as possible and than going forward as fast as you can. Enjoy your videos.

[@123helpingyou]

Thanks for producing this update review on the new drive. Apparently is both the removeable top part and the lower part mounted to the boat that is being changed out. The retailer that sold me my Blue Sky 360 Angler is replacing my entire drive assemble at no charge. Apparently the change addresses some of the first generation issues as well as improving the efficiency of the mechanism by 25%. I assume with the new two blade prop it is even better. I do wonder if this upgrade is needed if you desire to add the new battery drive instead of the peddle method? I was told by the sales rep that using the battery drive you need a new prop that was just designed to work with the battery powered mechanism. Hope to have my 360 Angler back sometime next week. I had some other warranty issues needing to be corrected.

[@isaacbrown5938]

Great job keeping all the company's honest.

[@Arron-if9rb]

I just did the prop upgrade, and the retro steering kit on my coosa fd. Havnt put it in the water yet. My question is how can i get my hands on that rudder?!! Steering correction makes it look like a whole new boat. Its gunna be great for anglers, more time fishing,less time fixing tracking!! Great review. I've got my video up if interested.

[@scottconn62]

Think I’d like to try the flex drive with some crank brothers pedals and my Keen cycling sandals.

[@KevinMSmith-zf7nv]

Great review. Which one paddles the best?

[@kjburke58]

I would like to see the Jackson big rig in a real river fishing with current and logs. I have the regular Big Rig and love it. But I would like to see how paddling forward and reverse works in a current .. The river I fish is full of fallen trees that is why I love the way it pops up.Can you control the kayak to be able to get the hard to cast spots with the current always fitting you?

[@davidblakeman6692]

Surprised that the Jackson Cruise FD doesn't have foot straps -- it might allow a better application of force between the two feet. As it is, you're only propelling with one foot at a time. The other surprising thing is the Boonedox rudder, with the entire rudder trailing the shaft. If the keel of the kayak would allow it, a little rudder forward of the shaft would cause less force on the cabling. (Assuming it wouldn't break the rudder when hitting something, and if the kayak keel would allow it.) Dan, you have great videos; especially liked your "all things paddle" ones! For us newbies, you could do one on low- vs high-angle paddling (and your opinion), and why your paddle blades shouldn't be aligned (even though there's a setting for that.)

[@The_Kayak_Guy.]

I hate the steering on the Jackson but I love everything else.

[@phillipthrockmorton9162]

Take a native propel and hobie and hit that loading dock the same way...

[@donaldsalas2571]

Love your videos! If anyone can answer, Question - is the metal corrosion-resistant in saltwater and how would the Jackson kayak handle in the surf?

[@terp53]

Excellent video and review!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@jbsanger696]

Luv the Jackson kayak...I'm in a Predator mx and luv it...I think you may have sold me on the Jackson line up..Great series and Jackson needs to rethink their rudder design! Is the new drive standard on all of the new boats now or is that going to be an upgrade for future Kayaks? Just curious due to the fact you had an older model and u just started selling the Jackson lineup... I'm a little confused on that aspect of it! You would think they would give a shop like yours the top-of-the-line product to start off with.. that would have saved a lot of confusion and headache for you and your shop

[@TheClearchoice18]

Something that I feel kayak Developers haven't taken into consideration is where to mount the transducer if you look at a boat you mount the transducer on the back of the boat but then again where do you fish on a boat usually on the back a kayak you're facing forward you fish forward so they should find a way to make the transducer be as close to the front as possible

[@carltondwyer4075]

All Jackson needs now is to come up with a better seat mounting, like the Wildy radar/atak

[@chogg]

Great review - thanks!

[@bugdr262]

Why doesn't Jackson put an adequately sized rudder on to begin with? Why make everyone go to the after market?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Bug Doctor 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@davidball8]

Bug Doctor I bet they might after seeing this. Seems like they are open for suggestions.

[@michaelnicolaysen7391]

I mean an upgraded rudder is a necessity on a native as well. So not the only ones in that boat. But ya it's a little weird. I've heard jackson is aware of the issue and planning a new rudder for quite awhile now though so hopefully that is a fix coming soon.

[@NilsHePa]

I think Jackson is working on something, I know some team members of Jackson has started to get improved rudders etc.

[@ronniepatterson2827]

Now all we need is for Native Watercraft to follow Jackson Kayaks lead , & upgrade the rudder on the Slayer 10 ! Dont get me wrong , I love the little monster Slaying beast , but I also shouldnt have to constantly be using my paddle to get into position in small creeks , with a top o the line , ( reverse functioning ) pedal driven Kayak , that costs almost as much as a small used car ! :( Oh & btw , lest I forget ,they claim the Native Watercraft Titan 10.5 will turn on a dime , even though its the wider , & for sure weighs alot more , so go figure on that shite already . lol

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Ronnie Patterson for the record Jackson didn’t fix the rudder, Boonedox did. They also have an upgraded rudder for that Native that has been out for a while. Well worth the upgrade. I agree both should come with better rudders from the factory.

[@ronniepatterson2827]

WTF ? GTFO BRO ! I coulda swore you had an upload recently discussing how unresponsive the rudder on the Jackson Cruise was , & you cats improved it Boonedox style , but (apparently) , the suits at Jackson musta missed it , cause they sent you an upgrade to test out , that completely bypasses , what many was led to believe ,was the main issue ? lmfao !!! How much you guys get for a Hibiscus Red 2019 Hobie Sport ? Im about done with this type of bullshit dude , for realx2 ! $3000 in the bank if you can trick it out , starting with rear hatch / deep bucket install bro . Youll see ! Just making sure an upgraded Passport doesnt debut nxt month , before I swing for the fences ! lol

[@ronniepatterson2827]

Hey Dan , thought I better fill you in on my Hobie Sport future purchase , as seeing they just added $200 to the thing cause of quote : TARRIFS end quote , im going with a different brand . Its not the money , its the mind boggling greed ! #smdh

[@jholl7339]

Just had a chance to watch this video. If it hasn't already been mentioned (or if you haven't already figured it out), I'd be willing to wager, the reason WHY you get that horrendous "ratcheting" noise when going full tilt and throwing it into reverse, is because the final gear that turns the prop is coming un-meshed from it's mating gear. If you watched the prop while it happens, you may see it shudder and partially extend away from the drive, for a split second each time it makes one of those individual ratcheting noises. Doing that may or may NOT wear or strip the gears, depending on their composition. Just my 2 cents.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the explanation. I'm sure its terrible for the drive, It felt like nails on a chalkboard doing it, but Jackson said to hammer it so I did. I've put a good 15 miles on it since this video and so far it has been working flawlessly.

[@TheClearchoice18]

Questions I think you should ask would be Ken and if it is possible to make a 4 blade propeller for your Jackson can and is it possible to make it a 2 gear like your regular 10-speed bicycle but instead of 10-speed make it to speed where you have Gear 1 and then it switches to gear to maybe that might be just too much components but definitely can you have a for prop blade an adjustable pitch

[@adamwillby]

When is this rudder upgrade going to be available for the coosa and the big rig fd?

[@jacksonnorris5836]

can you do a review on the sun dolphin boss 12ss I'm looking for a beginner kayak and no one has really done a good review

[@USA-sx1xi]

How's the new drive doing now you have had it a few weeks? Is the demo Boonedox rudder for the Jackson Fd or Cruise still holding up?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Bobby Luffman Jr both have been working seamlessly. The rudder goes on every Jackson demo I send out. Total game changer for the FD kayaks

[@USA-sx1xi]

@@HeadwatersKayak Awesome!!! I Cant hardly wait for that rudder to go on sell. Fought with the tracking over the holiday weekend😖

[@damianwestcott8885]

Hi dan , Damian from Australia this is off topic. what are you thoughts on the omega rod holders .! Can’t get them down under..do you rate them

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Damian Westcott they are fantastic. Very versatile, easy to adjust and don’t flex when you hook into something big. Two thumbs up.

[@billkearney842]

Hey Dan, or anyone else who owns a Cruise FD, how is the stability when standing? Fishable? I realize it's not as stable as the Coosa, but I'm 5'11" 170lbs. Not sure I need that big of a boat to fish saltwater flats and mangrove shorelines. Def want to stand while fishing, though.

[@pacobell97]

I just got a crusie fd maybe two weeks ago and im 5'11" 175 and its easy to stand and even turn side to side.I really like the crusie mainly because its not as wide as the coosa or as heavy , so if you want to go into the surf or open water its a damn good kayak to cut through current and waves and it paddles extremely well .If your looking at mostly flats use maybe the extra width on the coosa would be better..Also I had native manta ray pedal drive and so far I like the jackson more. Good luck on deciding your yak.

[@matt538]

So is the only difference on the drive the propeller because I just got my big rig hdfd in a few months back and it’d be disappointing if they just come out with a kayak and immediately change the drive right after. On their website it says the prop is designed for the new E drive electric motor add on.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Matt F that would be a question for Jackson. Id say get the new prop and use it. I had no issues with the original drive with new prop. They had a “update” that failed during a test video so they sent me another updated drive that is suppose to be smoother and bullet proof. If I had a early 2019 boat I’d just do the prop, upgrade the rudder and use it.

[@matt538]

Headwaters Kayak thanks for the quick reply I’m gonna order the prop is the boonedox rudder available yet

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Matt F not for a few more weeks. They are on order and being built.

[@doylemitchell4181]

If you had the 3 blade prop you could get more speed

[@AddictedAngler]

Add some lucas oil on those paddles that squick is annoying lol love my coosa

[@griggey84]

That whining or squealing noise coming from the Jackson would drive me nuts!

[@Fordamericanboy1]

Will the updated drive you received be in the 2019 kayaks?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

All boats leaving my shop will get a updated drive. I know it’s still a few weeks out but I also know they are working hard on it.

[@jjustice7429]

@@HeadwatersKayak I am in North Carolina and I am looking at buying a used Jackson Cruise FD which the ad says has only seen the water three times. How will I know if it has the updated drive? The ad says it is a 2018 model. Trying to see what people has said about them. They want $1,450 for it and I will only be using it in the rivers for cat fishing during the spring and fall and have never owned a kayak, only canoes.

[@TheMichiganFisherman]

I think having a pedal drive WITHOUT reverse is pointless in a fishing kayak. If I’m fighting a fish and heading straight towards a seawall or a rock ledge…I want reverse. I seriously don’t know why anyone in a fishing kayak would pay THAT much money for a pedal drive that can’t even go backwards.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Maybe for some folks it doesn't make sense. Hobie drives didn't have reverse for the first sixteen or seventeen years and they still beat Native Watercraft in sales that whole time.

[@TheMichiganFisherman]

@@HeadwatersKayak Wow... Didn't know that. I still want REVERSE 😂👍

[@TheCopperstill]

Is the Boonedox rudder for sale or is it a prototype?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

This one is the real deal. It will be available in the next week or two. Pre Orders are available on our website. I think we have 20 more available from our first order.

[@TheCopperstill]

Headwaters Kayak what will the price be for pre order?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

@@TheCopperstill They sell for $90.

[@TheCopperstill]

This company is awesome! Total unbiased reviews and super informative. I own a Jackson Big Rig FDHD and was hoping for a rudder upgrade and couldn’t wait for Boonedox to create one. I am not saying Headwaters was the sole reason behind it but I am sure it helped with the process. Thanks for all the information, great videos and making this hobby of mine and others better and a little more fun. I bought the rudder as soon as i found out it was on pre order and Headwaters was the only place i seen anything about it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks man. We try and stay ahead of things.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Did Jackson say what was wrong with the broken drive? Is this a new and improved drive or just a replacement?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

vagabond88817 Jackson says it’s a new and improved drive. I think it’s still technically a pre production but should be an online change at some point.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Headwaters Kayak Awesome.

[@randyleppala5995]

While that rudder is a bit bigger than the stock Jackson rudder (perhaps by 2x) it still doesn't project down into the water much, which would increase control and tracking capabilities. I experienced tracking and control issues with my Jackson Coosa FD rudder so I designed and fabricated my own rudder mod which increase the size of the rudder by +3x AND it is self retracting like the Flex Drive unit. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmUdI18f7OdpLs

[@noahlieberman2074]

Can u put more viewer rigs on ur channel👍

[@tigersaint124]

Jackson's need bigger tankwells