Getting ready to purchase a JK Cuda. Trying to decide between the 12 & 14. I understand the 14 to be a faster boat over the 12. Will be spending time in the creeks and some lake fishing. Any thoughts on the 12 or 14?
Go with the bigger kayak!
I have a Cuda 14 and am happy with it. It’s a fairly versatile kayak. That extra speed is nice when your paddling against the tide. If you get the 12’ you’ll wish you got the 14’.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
If you can transport it, longer is always better. My yak is 16’ long. My old yak was 13’6". I thought it would hard to manage, but the extra length is great for speed and storage.
Chris
Don?t make a mistake and not paddle other fishing kayaks before making your final decision
Not all are created equal
Demos by Appointments only
Let?s go FISHING
Capt Dave
www.facebook.com/FishingKayaksSC
SC Malibu Kayak Dealer
Thanks for the input. I’m not new to kayak fishing having owned Tarpon 120’s and 140’s and Native Ultimates, however these are my first JK’s. While I am partial to the 14’ for the speed and space, I am just trying to justify the extra cost for the 14’. These Cuda’s aren’t cheap; compared to the Tarpon’s anyway. Loved my WS, but I like the set up and stability of the Cuda. I think I am going to just get a 12’ and 14’ and roll with it. Probably claim the 14’ for me and leave the 12’ for the wife and daughters.
I would see Dave at Time Out Sports and test paddle one before you buy. You are welcome to take my 14’ for a test spin at the next meet & fish. I don’t think the cuda’s are all that stable. The WS ride seemed more stable, to me. And nothing can match the stability of the Hobie pro-angler. I think the Cuda paddled better than the Ride and I love the set-up in the cuda. I would definitely test one before dropping that kind of money.
Thanks JP, I appreciate the offer - Dave’s got me hooked up - no pun intended. Talked with him yesterday. I’m not from the Charleston area, but I do frequently visit the Low Country many times throughout the year and have been to his shop. I have read many of his posts in the past and he is well respected on this site. I have done lot’s of research on several boat builders and their products. While I really have a great appreciation for WS and their Tarpon, I am looking for some specific features in my next boat. Having owned Native’s and Tarpon’s in the past, I really like the seating of the Cuda’s; very similar to the Native. I could sit in the Native all day long with no back pain. The Tarpon was a very easy to paddle boat - The Cuda looks to be similar in that respect; While heavier by a few pounds, I don’t expect a tremendous difference. The features, accessibility points on the Cuda and just the attention to detail for the angler was really what sold me on the Cuda. I really hate where the price point is on them, but all in all, I think I will be happy with the boat after I get over the sticker shock. Dave did not try to ‘sell’ me a boat. He offered advice and general support. Thing is, when talking with him, he recognized this thread while we were talking - again, no push to buy his boats. Real stand up guy. Hope to cross paths with some of you this Spring and Summer. I typically hit the Wando at Paradise, but welcome any advice on good access points.
I think you’ll enjoy it. I love mine and can fish all day comfortably. I just didn’t want you to think it’s stable enough to walk around in. Again, I think it provides a good mix of speed, stability and accessibility with plenty of comfort. You should be happy with it.