See full version: Jackson Kayak BigRig HDFD Review
Earlier this spring I picked up the latest pedal driven kayak from Jackson Kayak, the BigRig HDFD. My first experience with a Jackson kayak was the Coosa FD which was Jackson�s first attempt at a pedal driven kayak. The Coosa FD served me well for a year, but I was ready to upgrade to the BigRig HDFD with all of its upgraded features and an improved Flex Drive.
My first trip out on the kayak also gave me further insight on what the BigRig HDFD is all about. The Flex Drive was an improvement over the drive in my Coosa FD and Jackson continues to improve the Flex Drive in terms of speed and ease of pedaling. The stability in the BigRig is also an improvement over the Coosa FD which is also a very stable kayak making standing up to fish a breeze. With the increased weight of the BigRig over the Coosa I expected the kayak to move slower than my Coosa. However, I received the new two bladed prop from Jackson and it actually moves faster than my Coosa did with the three bladed prop. Another thing worth mentioning is that Jackson is planning to release the E-Drive soon which can be used on the BigRig to easily replace the Flex Drive and motorize the kayak. You will have to register the kayak if you plan to use the E-drive but this can be an especially useful tool on larger bodies of water where you need to travel long distances. [links]
My first impression of the BigRig HDFD was that it is indeed BIG. The kayak is 13� 3� long, 40� wide, and weighs in at 145 pounds with the Flex Drive. The next thing I noticed was all of the little features that can go a long way in finding the right kayak for you. Four rod tubes, two flush mount rod holders, two fly reel pockets with fly rod holders, four rod clips, plenty of room for storage, front hatch bin, and a scupper hole designed for the larger totalscan transducers are just a few things that stood out to me on this kayak. Another thing I really liked was how customizable the kayak felt. As I began outfitting the kayak with my electronics, batteries, cameras, extra rod holders, landing gear, etc I found that there were many options available for modifications to help me get the kayak perfectly suited for my style of fishing. Going along with that, the kayak I got was in the FD configuration. You can purchase this same kayak in the HD configuration which removes the Flex Drive in case you are wanting to paddle the kayak. The HD and FD pods are interchangeable too if you should choose to start with one of the configurations and want to switch back and forth between paddling and pedaling. I find that this could be a really useful feature if I want to take the kayak out on smaller ponds where weed growth can get out of hand. In those situations, I would not need the speed the FD pod affords and be better off just using the HD pod to avoid getting the prop caught up in weeds. [links]
Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). [links]
Need to replace the rear hatch on your Coosa FD or Big Rig HD/FD? You can pick up a new one here. Latches and hardware not included.
Need a place to put your stuff without having it roll around inside your kayak? This hatch bin is perfect. Designed to fit right in the front hatch of your Mayfly, Big Rig HDFD, Cuda HD and Coosa FD.
Ready to take your Blue Sky Boatworks experience to the next level? Introducing the Blue Sky 360 Pro! This boat comes rigged and ready to fish with features like an integrated electronic wiring. more
Double your fun with one of the newest members of the Blue Sky family! A trimaran whose generous deck accommodates a wide range of outfitting and propulsion options, the Tri-Cat will appeal to. here
Flex Drive 3D From stem to stern, Flex Drive 3D integrates propulsion, power and precision into a unified system that delivers unparalleled versatility, efficiency and convenience. Designed from the. here
Ready to take your Blue Sky Boatworks experience to the next level? Introducing the Blue Sky 360 Pro! This boat comes rigged and ready to fish with features like an integrated electronic wiring. here
Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). here
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). [links]
This kit includes basic fasteners and common components found on our fishing and recreational kayaks. This kit includes the items below: (2) - Nut; 1/4-20 w/Black Nylon Cap 18-8ss - 1331 (2) - Nut;. more
Let’s talk a little bit about the equipment and associated rigging options: the Bite FD has fewer gear tracks than the Coosa FD and Big Rig FD, but is usually sufficient to mount the fishfinder, action cam and rod holder. All 3 models have two flush mounted rod holders behind the seats.
The Bite FD with the open-concept deck has a lot of storage space with a system of touring-style bungie cords. These areas are perfect for crates, hard and soft coolers, dry bags of gear and more for daily usage and long exploration trips. The Coosa FD and Big Rig FD have a hatch with heavy duty latches, molded-in rod tip tubes and are PowerPole ready. here
How do the kayaks differ in length and width? The Bite FD is 350 cm long and 89 cm wide, the Coosa FD 384 cm long and also 89 cm wide, the Big Rig FD 404 cm long and 102 cm wide. The stability is amazing with all three models. here
For the pure offshore angler I would definitely recommend the Coosa FD, in my eyes the perfect kayak for the big wide ocean but also for all other waters. If I have to keep budget and weight in mind, the Bite FD would be my first choice. If the best possible stability is important to me and I have a high body weight, the Big Rig FD would be the right kayak for me. here
Transducers can be attached to all 3 kayaks in the scupper holes. [links]
So the weight of the kayak plays a major role, since it must be lifted or pushed onto the car roof as easily as possible. The Bite FD weighs 42 kg without seat and drive and can be handled easily. Everyone develops their own technique over time to get the kayak on their car roof. This also works with the other two models, but the higher weight is noticeable (Coosa FD: 46 kg without seat and drive, Big Rig FD 65 kg fully outfitted). If you are mostly traveling with a buddy, all weights are irrelevant, since you can easily lift the kayaks on the car roof with two guys. more
Hi Tim! Send me an email to dennis@jacksonkayak.com and I’ll send you some photos!
The fish finder is attached to the left gear track, on the right gear track is a YakAttack Omega Rod Holder.
https://www.yakattack.us/omega-rod-holder-with-track-mounted-locknload-mounting-system-rhm-1001/
[bigcommerce_product order=”ASC” orderby=”date”] [links]
The Big Rig is not without a reason one of Jackson Kayak’s most popular fishing kayaks. The possibility that the Big Rig HD can be converted into the Big Rig FD is awesome! And then you can switch to the Flex Drive E within seconds. A real transformer! These are many reasons why, in addition to the incredible stability, I love this boat so much despite the relatively high weight. Here is some information about what my basic setup from the Big Rig HDFD looks like:
I have two options for anchoring: In shallow water I use a self-made anchor stick. The Big Rig rod trough is the perfect storage option for this. For deep water I use the Tightline Anchor K5 (secured to YakAttack Vertical Tie Downs).
https://www.tightlineanchors.com/online-store/K5-Kayak-Canoe-Anchor-3-5LBS-p117835944 here
I installed the YakAttack DogBone Camera Mount right at the front of the gear track and control the GoPro with voice control.