Jackson Kayak Rudder - Upgrade Tested!

A new Jackson Kayak rudder kit for the Jackson Kayak Cruise and Coosa models is available. I test the Jackson Kayak rudder system to see if it is worth the $32 for the upgrade. I believe this will fit all models of the Jackson Kayak Cruise FD as well as the Coosa FD. The kayak rudder is dramatically different from the version 1 rudder shipped with the fishing kayak!
Get the rudder here: www.jacksonadv...
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[@ChrisSmith-jcs1111]

Yep, I agree. The new rudder combined with the new two-blade prop made a huge difference with my Coosa FD.

[@billyharville7721]

Just ordered the new rudder, and I have upgraded to the new control mechanism and found that it big improvement in control and tracking. I am excited to try the rudder out. Thanks for the video!

[@kevinpitts3548]

I'm looking into becoming a coosa fd owner. This is very useful information!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Michael64633]

I'm sorry to bother you. Recently you did a video using zip ties and a washer or something to secure your hooks when to in use on your rod. I don't know how to show you but you can buy zip ties with a circle or hole on the end. No need for washers. Just attach the zip tie and you have a nice way to keep your hook while on the rod.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, I did a video on that approach. Thanks for bringing it up! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHm8hHeaftuforM

[@USA-sx1xi]

I have the 2018 Jackson Fd I added the retro kit (boomerang) and a Boonedox rudder that the company made for the flex drive Jackson kayak. Its night and day compared to the oem Jackson rudder and version 1 steering controls. Mine tracks straight and turns sharper now with the upgrade. No more constantly over correcting the steering to stay straight. Thanks for the video. Headwaters Kayak also did a awesome video about this subject and put it thru the test.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Perfect! No need to have steering ruin any day on the water!

[@AliexFolgueira]

Worth the money, it clearly turns much better

[@racerx12003r]

I'm so glad you posted this. As of 2 days ago, I became the proud owner of a Jackson Coosa FD myself, seeing you using one. I was quite impressed with the layout from your videos. I had found a web page that went into the pros and cons of this craft. The only con on there was something about the boat not tracking too well at low speed. Guess I'll be ordering one of these new design rudders. I wonder if they come in any other color than orange? 🙂 Thanks again.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

They only come in orange. If you have a brand new boat, you should ask the dealer to get you the replacement for free. Can't hurt to ask. If he says no, contact Jackson directly and ask the same thing. They are pretty good about things like this. I do believe this will fix tracking.

[@racerx12003r]

@@KayakhacksFishing it is a used one, but it looks brand new. It was very well maintained. I got on Jackson's page to look for the up graded rudder. Think I'm gonna pull the trigger and have one shipped my way.

[@MysticalDragon73]

Nice video. Sadly alot of tracking problems come from poor paddling technique. I learned in a Jackson Traverse crossover. Its critical to use vertical strokes to track straight. This gave me good muscle memory from the start. I often scrape my hands on the sides of my boat to ensure Im as vertical as possible. Yes its harder to do in the wider fishing boats but the closer to vertical you get the better your tracking will be.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great points. The Coosa is a pedal kayak, but your advice is well put for when I have to paddle.

[@elvisrickey4625]

A little dielectric grease on the rudder housing and foot controls really helps...turns like butta.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

good idea!

[@joshuasmith9528]

I couldn’t get the pin into the old rudder cap. A guy might be able to force it in there, but the new rudder cap let the pin slide in like butter.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

How are you going to keep from capsizing without all that ballast now? Hey yoooooo!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

lol!

[@keepinitbassyusa]

I am pretty disappointed in the turning radius of the new Bite FD. Only if it could turn more sharper

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sorry to hear that.

[@anthonyferguson8857]

Is there enough clearance to still install a PowerPole micro anchor or will the longer rudder hit the pole? Other than that question it looks great. Thanks for posting!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes. My buddy is mounting a motor on his kayak and we took a look at that together.

[@andrewsmith941]

So did you upgrade 2 times I saw you had 3 rudders

[@KayakhacksFishing]

No, just once. I ended up with a second, original rudder when Jackson did some warranty support

[@joshuasmith9528]

I wouldn’t have believed how bad the old rudder system was if I didn’t experience it and see the difference.

[@MesquiteOutdoors]

Did you find that it tracks better...like less rudder adjustments?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes. It was pretty cool

[@rvnmedic2709]

How's the tracking. I adjusted my rudder control so the rudder is centered and it works well. I wonder if this will improve it.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It tracks really well. I did a steering upgrade as well at the same time, so I do not know if the steering or the rudder contributed more to the tracking improvement.

[@dalec.1907]

Good video, kind of would like to see you unloading getting in and getting out and loading knee surgery back surgery it's a pain in the ass Everybody Edits that out

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Actually, I have other videos on how I do that. kzbin.info/aero/PL8egn41J7Go_UzxGTdgVdgvx8hoZ3lV7N

[@donniej54]

Can you tell me where you purchased the Jackson rudder upgrade kit as I am having a hard time finding where to order it online.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sure - you get it from JK directly - www.jacksonadventures.com/products/fd-3d-rudder-kit/

[@donniej54]

@@KayakhacksFishing Thanks but for some reason you can't order from this site as I already tried. It just says available from "dealers" and my local Jackson dealer wasn't much help.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

that makes no sense. I wonder why they changed it. If I were you, I would send a note to JK and explain the problem. They should hook you up with somebody who sells it.

[@jasonhanson22]

Do you know if there are any changes to the 2020 Coosa FD vs 2019?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Only the new 3D Flex Drive and the enhanced rudder as far as I know. The drive is supposed to be quieter.

[@richardrubenstein9587]

I'm looking into buying the the Jackson bite. I have concerns when unloading the kayak the rudder is so exposed it looks like it can break when you bring it down to the ground I don't want to be in a position of having to take it off and on all the time do you have any suggestions

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I would just turn the rudder to the side when loading or unloading.

[@MysticalDragon73]

I have a 2020 big rig hd with the new rudder. the rudder is so easy to take in and out I simply leave it out most of the time. Especially with the water levels low and dragging on rocks alot.

[@yodiflores]

Hello, this rudder fits to boomerang system?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes. It is what they are shipping now

[@jimmin9802]

I bought one but havent gotten on the water yet, how do u like it compared to the boondox rudder?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I only have experience with this new on and the old stock model.

[@jimmin9802]

Kayak Hacks Fishing have you tried the new two blade prop? I like it better than the three blade, seems smoother and moves you along nicel and no need to change pitch.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, I use the two blade now. It is much better!

[@retnav92]

👍

[@rgsparber1]

What a coincidence. I just tried out my newest prototype skeg for my inflatable. rick.sparber.org/skegTry2.pdf

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for the link! Amazed you can create things like that for an inflatable

[@elvisrickey4625]

The new rudder is better but still a little sluggish. Have you seen this one? I'll try a DIY temporary upgrade till Burleypro comes out with one for Jackson. Maybe I'm too pickey. Ugly hack but if it works I'll be happy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIOTlqOJmJWWjLc

[@KayakhacksFishing]

That is a good hack. I do not have the sluggish problem since I upgraded my steering.