The Jackson Kayak Yupik was introduced in 2018 and made it into full production in 2019 for the 2020 model season. Received the kayak in May 2020. Was skeptical about the design since having mostly owned traditional paddling Jackson Kayak models in the past. However wanted to keep with a lighter weight in terms of sit on top kayaks with stability but really liked the customizable options due the the amount of gear track included stock from the factory. With a MSRP of $1,299 USD it is a great starter kayak!

Carrying Handles

The molded in bow & stern handles are actually much more comfortable than the old style bolt on ones! Much more ergonomic and larger diameter for more grip! Nice design!

Open deck

The open deck design is really nice! If you are a fly angler or just don’t like clutter in front of you the Yupik has this covered! The front dug out canoe style offers space for your dry bags with slots under the gear track makes it easy to cam strap and secure your gear in place.

Seating

The Elite Seat 3.0 (Discontinued) and on 2021-Current models Comfort Seat 4.0 give you all day comfort with its wide seat cushion and ergonomic seat back. The new Comfort Seat also features the Molle panel on the seat back to customize seat back storage from hydration systems to tackle storage to emergency kits.

The seat pan offers a high/low position and also slides the length of the kayak enhancing the ability to trim out the entire kayak or just to make more space to bring along a child or your favorite pet! The footbrace pegs are also track mounted and slide along with the seat for maximum comfort to generate an efficient paddle stroke.

Gear Track System

The Yupik includes factory installed gear track from bow to stern! This allows adding accessories a breeze! Any track mount accessory can be mounted on the track making you Yupik completely customizable to your specifications! Full Length Gear Track on the right and left side and a center track extends from the edge of the Scooped bow to the stern of the tank well.

Storage

Although the Yupik does not feature hatches for internal storage the deck is well configured for your tackle management. There are 4 seat side tackle stagers molded into the hull. This allows Plano 3460 style tackle boxes to be seated here for quick access! Also 2 areas to stow your cell phone at hand.

The seat pan also allows for additional storage. From tackle boxes to small dry bags.

The rear tankwell area is extremely large. It can easily hold a milk crate or up to a 35 QT Orion Cooler! The tankwell area also includes the Strap down gear track system for cam strapping additional gear down.

Stern

At the stern you will find a securable molded in battery recess if you add on a trolling motor. Also included is a (4) molded 1/4-20 threaded inserts for the addition of a Powerpole Micro Anchor or Torqeedo Motor accessory! The drain plug is located on the rear left side.

Hull

The hull has a total of (11) structural scupper holes for draining the deck and keeping it structurally sound for holding weight. Two of the scuppers are recessed in the hull to accept small to medium fish finder transducers. Also included is a replaceable skid plate to enable saving scraping the keel on boat ramps and pavement.

Yupik Hull

Accessories

The Yupik includes a Yakattack Omega Rod Holder, Stand Up assist strap, Long Load Red Flag, & a 5: Jackson Kayak Sticker with new kayak purchase.

Specs

  • Length: 12′ 2″
  • Width: 35″
  • Height 12″
  • Capacity: 425 lbs Total
  • Weight: 90 lbs

Review:

The overall quality of the Jackson Kayak Yupik is satisfactory! As always Jackson made in the USA offers a top quality fishing kayak! The overall appearance of the kayak is sleek and modern but with that authentic dug out canoe look of hand made kayaks of the indigenous people many years ago. The 2021 model is offered in 3 factory colors. Earth (Blue Lime & White) Forest (Olive Tan & Black) and Rock & Rockfish (Red Gray & Black).

I feel the kayak paddles with ease which is amazing for a 35″ wide hull. It turns simply with a J paddle stroke. Stability is top notch you can stand on this boat like you would on a floating dock. Stand up paddling is simple also. It is a fast hull for its dimensions and design. Can handle fast moving water such as rivers and excels in back bay/large lakes.

The Comfort Seat 4.0 is incredibly comfortable from sitting all day moving to standing position and ease of sitting back in the seat. The low position allows for less fatigue paddling long distance and to add power to your stroke. The high position allows the ease of standing. A 250 cm – 260 cm paddle is recommended for the width of the boat in the high or low position.

Fully customizable due to its ample amount of included gear track the Yupik can be grown into. From beginners to advanced kayak anglers platform is multi use can be accessorized to fit you. I personally use the Yupik for many outdoor activities. From fishing to photography and yes even kayak camping trips!

The Jackson Kayak Yupik has grown on me!

My original reasoning for purchasing the Kilroy LT was due to its lightweight for dropping onto creeks with steep muddy banks. These hard to access areas are great for fishing and waterfowl hunting but are inaccessible by most power boats. The Kilroy LT preformed great in this area but to my surprise the kayak is a great all around fishing machine! Taking the boat out in many different types of water it became my main kayak for this season. It was nice to go back to the traditional sit in kayak/canoe style.

Kilroy LT Realtree Camo Edition Specifications:

  • Length: 12′-10″
  • Width: 32″
  • Weight: 56lbs (62 with seat)
  • Capacity: 400 lbs
  • Color: Real-tree Hardwoods Camo Pattern

Top Features:

 

Weight:

At 56lbs this kayak is easy to car top. There are many areas that are not accessible by trailer. The lightweight of the Kilroy LT allows dropping in and out at tough areas. The thermoformed lightweight plastic allows this.

Rigid Hull:

The rigidity of the kayaks thermoformed ABS plastic hull makes the boat stiffer. Therefore paddles better than its rotomolded cousin. The less flex in the hull the more perfornamce gained.

Realtree Camo Pattern:

The kayak is ideal for hunting with its unique realistic camo print. The RealTree hardwoods camo pattern blends into the surroundings pretty well. I was actually amazed due to it not being the RealTree Max5 which is more ideal for salt marsh.

Flat Deck Flooring:

The Kilroy line of kayaks all have a built in Flat flooring system allowing comfortable standing. Built into the floor system is the high low seating platform, a Cup Holder with bungee to secure it, and the standard Jackson Kayak Stand Up assist strap. Located behind the seating platform is a bungee system for lashing down a milk crate or a decoy bag.

Ergo Seat:

All day kayak seating. The new ergo seat contours to your back and body to make a great comfortable seat for fishing long term. Included with the kayak and a seat back pouch for extra storage. The seat has also been constructed with closed cell foam for quick drying and max comfort. The seating system can be used in the low and high positions like many other Jackson Kayak models.

High/Low Seating Positions:

Like all Jackson Kayak fishing models the Kilroy LT also has both high and low seating postilions!

Inner Hull Rod Storage:

The inner hull rod stowing system is a great addition. It comes in most handy when transporting gear and fishing in areas of low hanging tree branches. THe ability to stow a fly rod is key. Due to the length

Tech Deck:

The tech deck which is located on the bow or stern lip of the cockpit comes in handy. Both with storage and the ability to mount aftermarket gear tracks allows it to have endless possibility’s for personal rigging. The “glove box” storage bin is a nice addition. I find myself stowing my hat, cellphone, and snacks in there on many occasions.

Gear Tracks:

Gear tracks are factory installed at 4 locations on the gunnels of the kayak. The locations are good for mounting additional rod holders and camera mounts.

Rear Storage Hatch:

The rear hatch is a dry storage area sectioned off by a foam bulkhead which is found in most sit inside style kayaks. The area has 2 purposes. One is the be used for storing gear that will stay dry. Two in the case of capsizing the air filled hatch will keep the kayak afloat.

Ergo Handles:

Equipped with bow stern and 2 side handles these handles are formed to fit ergonomically into your hand. The handles are good for carrying, unloading, and loading the kayak.

Adjustable Foot Braces:

The kayak also is equipped with adjustable footbraces for maximum comfort no matter of your short or tall.

The Goodies:

Like all Jackson Kayak Fishing Line kayaks the Kilroy LT is bundled with a few goodies which include the Elite Seat, (2) RAM Mount rod holders, (2) YakAttack screwballs, a Nalgene water bottle, and long load safety flag.

My Rigging:

Currently I have rigged the Kilroy to the max benefits of how and what I use it for. The first addition was a Torqeedo Ultralight 403. Rigging this boat for foot steering controls was a task but fairly easy. You can find my detailed Torqeedo install article here.

Rudder:

The kayak can also be fitted with a rudder system also using the same sealect designs Trucourse Kayak Rudder system. Using the same methods and the addition of a rudder bracket at the stern this can be easily accomplished.

Torqeedo Ultalight 403 Electric Outboard

The installation of the 403 on this kayak is an amazing addition. The kayak is completely hands free steering with your feet you are free to cat and fish tie rigs and even check you social media on your phone when cruising between fishing spots. Trolling with the Ultralight 403 is a complete change to paddling to troll. Maintaining speed and adjusting between wind and currents is a breeze.

Keel Protection:

I then added Keelguard. This is a PVC type of protective strip that adhears to the kayaks keel. ABS is less abrasive resistant than polypropylene rotomold. Therefor its good to protect it from scuffing. It will add years to your investment.

Anchoring:

I then rigged the kayak with a YakAttack Kayak LeverLock Deluxe Anchor Trolley AMS-1003 system. Using the new stealth pulleys which avoids fishing line snags.

Stand assist:

I also rigged the Kilroy with the Yakattack command stand. With the addition of two 4″ gear tracks on the bow. The command stand is a very nice addition to standing and fishing. It also doubles for mounting cameras and other accessories along with its included rotogrip paddle holders.

Rod Holders:

For rod holders currently I Track mounted RAM Mounts 2008 tubes on the rear factory gear tracks. These are easy to reach and work well with the kayak. Also my blackpak stowed behind the seat has an additional 3 rod holders mounted on it for spare rods and to hold a net.

Paddle holder:

I also Track mounted a pair of LunchBox Paddle Parks. This unique system sets the paddle off of the kayak. I also added the mounting clips for the ParkNPole to be stowed here. The system offsets these items to allow the tracks to be unobstructed allowing you to mount multiple accessories on them.

Gear Track Locations:

I also added YakAttack Gear Trac GTSL90 4 Inch Mounting Track to the cockpit side of the tech deck. This allows for a mounting location in reach for my fish finder and camera mounting such as the panfish portrait.

In Hull Water Remediation:

I then fitted the kayak with an electric bilge pump. This allows me to pump water out quickly. It should help for if I am ever swamped. It also works well at removing water dripped in from my paddle feet and of course rain. Remember I do use this kayak out on wide open bays and such with waves. Check out the install here!

My Review:

Over the 2017 fishing season I have fallen in love with the Kilroy LT. It is my go to kayak for fishing bays creeks lakes and ponds. Out of my other kayaks the Cuda 14, The Kraken and the Big Rig. I used the Kilroy most this season at 80%. The Kilroy LT is incredibly stable. For my height 6’1″ and weight 200 lbs it is very close to the stability of the Big Rig. Standing is simple and comfortable due to the installed flat deck. The Kilroy LT like cousin to the Jackson Kayak Cuda has secondary stability. Once you get to that point its locked in. Due to the lower center of gravity standing inside the hull.

The kayak paddles with ease. It has great maneuverability and glides with every stroke. Although the kayak is not factory equipped with a rudder an aftermarket one can be easily added on. Fortunately is not really needed.

The new 2017 ergo seat is comfortable and dries much quicker than previous years seats. The added lumbar support and curved back is perfect for all day fishing. Works really well with high back PFD’s. I however do miss the under seat storage.

The #1 best thing about the Kilroy LT is how light it is. Its a dream to load on my truck and to drop in at otherwise tough places with heavier kayaks.

This kayak is a fly anglers dream. The stability is off the charts and can be rigged with a leaning post along with a stripping bucket with ease.

In the future I hope to get out waterfowl hunting in this kayak!

Cons:

The Kilroy is a sit inside hybrid kayak. It has no scupper holes. Paddling in areas with rough currents and heavy sea conditions are not recommended. Surf launches and landings can be dangerous.

This is a tough kayak to self rescue on. It can be done though.

Rear hatch is small and cannot really be used for much besides a small dry bag. The bow does not contain a hatch. There is a bit of wasted space in the bow that could be used for storage.

Personally i feel there should be more accessory’s but keeping the price where it is out of the factory is a good thing.

There is no skid plate on this model. Install a keel guard, try not to drag or land hard. It will scuff easily and is a much thinner plastic than a rotomolded boat.

Summary:

The Kilroy and the Kilroy LT are hybrid kayaks built to be fishing machines. You’ll fall in love with one. One of the best paddling fishing hybrid style kayaks I have ever used. Weather bass fishing or targeting striper in the salt this is a great all around kayak.

I recommend this kayak for flat water fishing only due to its hybrid sit inside style.  Please check it out at your local Jackson Kayak dealer and ask to take a demo paddle! You’ll love it!

 

 

The new Jackson Kayak 2018 colors are in!! Available now! Take the poll and vote for your favorite color for 2018!

2018 Standard Jackson Kayak Colors

Available in all new standard colors are:


  • Coosa
  • Coosa FD
  • Coosa HD
  • Cuda HD

  • Mayfly
  • All Krakens
  • Cruise Angler

Available in only Forest, Rockfish, & Thunderstruck:


  • Cuda
  • Kilroy
  • Big Rig

  • Big Tuna
  • Skipper

Retired Colors from 2017:

  • Patriot
  • Mahi
  • Bluefin

As always  you may order a custom color for an up-charge and about 6 weeks wait time. Visit your local Jackson Kayak Dealer for more information. To find a dealer location near you please visit the www.jacksonkayak.com dealer locator.

Page 1 of 3123
%d bloggers like this: