Kraken

[Kayak_Bernie]

A few months ago OEX had Jim out at there place in Mission Bay, I was able to test drive the Kraken at that point. I played offensive line in college and being a big guy it has always been a problem to find a kayak that will float me and my gear without loosing maneuverability. The Kraken is big enough to float me and my gear, and it paddles like a dream. Granted I am used to paddling an OK Prowler Big Game, but I would give the Kraken 2 thumbs up, it may be my next boat.

[Dennis]

110 lbs seems like a lot. I'm interested in where you found that info. Thanks

[Iceman]

Kraken 110 lbs with included accessories

tank, box, seat etc.


I love the bow shape, nice mix of lift and slice, performs very well in open water chop and swell. I consider it in the same arena as the Trident 15 or the Thresher 155. In all honesty the 3 I mention are all too big for what i am looking for in my kayak, but would highly recommend trying one. Very smart design.

[Aznronin]

Trident 15 angler is only 60lbs and capacity is 500-550 lbs. the only complaint I have about it is that it catches the wind on the side during windy days on the water.

[Fish Taco]

What are your thoughts on the Thresher 14 Andy?

[makobob]

Originally Posted by Fish Taco

What are your thoughts on the Thresher 14 Andy?

I am not Andy, but I like mine, just the right size and I can still move it around, at 66 Years of age it is still manageable.

[Jim Sammons LJKF]

Yeah the T15 is closer to 75 pounds unlaiden so yes the Kraken is a tad heavier but then again a ton lighter than the Hobies out there.

someone mentioned the pump clogging, with many days on the water and going over the thick kelp and weeds it has yet to happen to me.

The Demo is at Sunset shop next Saturday and I am going to try and come up and bring a couple more Krakens so people can try them out. I have one with a rudder and one without.

[Fish Taco]

Originally Posted by makobob

I am not Andy, but I like mine, just the right size and I can still move it around, at 66 Years of age it is still manageable.

Thanks for the input! I eventually want to upgrade from my Stealth 14 and love the idea of the Kraken and the Thresher15 but don't think they'll fit length-wise in my garage... (it's shallow at about 15' max) ...so I'm thinking something the same size as my Stealth 14 would be best. I'm a big guy though, and that extra capacity would be nice... but just have cut back on all the crap I bring... lol...

Wonder if Jackson has any plans in the works to make a smaller version of "the Kraken"... like 14'... they could call it "the Squid"... lol... Seriously though, I'd sure be interested in it if they did!

[easyday]

Originally Posted by Fish Taco

Thanks for the input! I eventually want to upgrade from my Stealth 14 and love the idea of the Kraken and the Thresher15 but don't think they'll fit length-wise in my garage... (it's shallow at about 15' max) ...so I'm thinking something the same size as my Stealth 14 would be best. I'm a big guy though, and that extra capacity would be nice... but just have cut back on all the crap I bring... lol...

Wonder if Jackson has any plans in the works to make a smaller version of "the Kraken"... like 14'... they could call it "the Squid"... lol... Seriously though, I'd sure be interested in it if they did!

As others have mentioned there is a demo day this weekend at OEX. If not and you're ever in my area I'd love to let Ya take my thresher 155 for a spin and see how you like it.

[Kaijuu]

Haven't had it long enough for a detailed opinion but hears the short term thinking.

It's long and heavy, had an Outback before so no huge difference in weight once loaded. I do use an hitch extender so it's very easy to load on my truck.

Had to change to a paddle type cause of knee issues. Kraken paddles very well and the rudder helps with getting the big boy around and makes for easy paddling without changing up strokes. The seat's comfy as any, adjustments can be made to compensate for load changes or even launching and returning thru swell.

Just got my bait tank rigged so no comment on placement or performance yet.

Front hatch is good for long term storage but not easily accessed while at sea. Center hatch has good storage. I haven't tried rod storage there yet.

OEX Mission Bay has one to demo, just call em. If you live in the SD North County you're welcome to check mine out.

[alanw]

Interesting addition - the new Kraken 13.5 http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/kayak/k...s/kraken-13-5/

[TJones]

Is why hobies are such crap paddlers ? And why they don't implement some of the favorable traits (other than stability ) into their kayaks ?