Jackson Kayak is now shipping The Knarr to dealers across the US, Canada and Europe. Jackson Kayak has been out of the fishing game for a few years now, but they’ve clearly been saving their energy during that time away because they’re back with a bang. The new Knarr fishing kayak gives anglers permission to dream a bit bigger than they’ve been able to in the past, simply because of a lack of proper resources. The industry just hasn’t provided much in the way of big boats built for big water so far, says Jackson, which puts a cap on how far out kayak fishers can venture.
But the Knarr is here to raise the ceiling. At 13’9″, this is the Big Daddy of fishing kayaks. Its overall size keeps it stable in the face of powerful waves and winds, while rocker adds maneuverability in strong currents. Jackson’s fresh take on pedal technology, the Flex Drive Mark IV, plus a new steering system also make the boat easier and faster to operate in unpredictable conditions. High-rise sides leave more room for gear at your fingertips so that you don’t have to make sacrifices when you’re headed off the beaten path. Triple Top rod protectors and the Multibox storage system keep your gear safe from the elements. Compared to Jackson’s previous fishing kayak models, the Knarr is a different beast ready for a whole new caliber of fishing adventure.
The core team over at Jackson Kayak has seen some recent changes that make this release significant for the brand, notably the introduction of new brand manager Jameson Redding. The Knarr represents Redding’s first crack at leading a product development initiative with Jackson, and the brand’s most ambitious foray into the fishing realm.
“We never had the opportunity to work as a full team of experts on our fishing fleet before,” states Jameson. “This effort brought in the biggest players in the game when it comes to ocean and big lake kayaking. To see the final product come together like this from everyone’s feedback is phenomenal.”
The whole team sees this project as their chance to expand the scope of big water fishing. Gear options might have limited the field before, but the Knarr raises the ceiling. The 13’9” Knarr’s innovative hull shape is the result of performance-driven design from Tony Lee, combined with input and testing from a large team of big water anglers. Its surf friendly rocker, high gunnels for in-boat storage, secure Triple Tip rod protectors and new TriTrak system make this a battle-ready kayak for surf, swell, current and wind. It is also easier to pedal than ever before, thanks to the addition of Jackson’s new Flex Drive Mark IV. This completely new version of their pedal system is belt-powered and has proven to be smoother, faster and more efficient than its predecessors. The Knarr will also come with a new Jackson Multibox storage system, the EZ Hilo Comfort Seat System and a new steering system.
“We wanted to attack this design from the standpoint of solving all the challenges the ocean and lakes throw at an angler,” adds James McBeath, Jackson’s Director of Marketing. “So many boats out there on big water are simply not built to handle it all. We purposely are designing boats to handle the water challenges as well as the needs to store gear safely and securely in the kayak.”
The Knarr could very well expand the range of adventure within the realm of fish kayaking. We’ll soon see how much it can really handle out there now that it’s on its way to dealers and ready to hit the water.
Jackson Kayak was founded in 2004 and currently resides in Sparta, Tennessee with over 150 employees. Jackson Kayak immediately became a leading Whitewater brand, then quickly evolved into the recreational and fishing kayak sectors. Jackson has since expanded their high-end kayak product line to include Orion Coolers and Kennels. These initiatives have Jackson Kayak reaching an ever-broadening array of outdoor enthusiasts world-wide. Jackson Kayak remains a family owned and operated company today and continues to be a Made in USA manufacturer supporting the local economy in Tennessee.