Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The Jackson Knarr FD is a big-water specialist. Designer Tony Lee hand-shaped the hull around surf, wind, waves, and current, and at 13 feet 9 inches, it is built to cover serious distance on oceans and large lakes.
The Jackson Knarr FD is a big-water specialist. Designer Tony Lee hand-shaped the hull around surf, wind, waves, and current, and at 13 feet 9 inches, it is built to cover serious distance on oceans and large lakes. If your fishing takes you offshore or across big reservoirs, this is one of the most capable pedal platforms you can buy.
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
Who the Knarr FD Is For
Tournament anglers, offshore fishermen, and big-lake trollers who need speed, tracking, and the ability to handle rough conditions. This is also a favorite for anglers who run lots of electronics and want a clean, organized deck. It is overkill for small ponds and tight creeks, where a shorter hull turns better.
Stability
At 37 inches wide with a hull shaped for surf handling, the Knarr is stable in the conditions it was built for. It feels planted in chop and boat wakes, and the tall gunwales give you a secure feeling when it gets sporty. Standing is doable in calm water, though this hull prioritizes speed and tracking over a barge-like standing deck. In big water, that is the right call.
Comfort and the EZ Hi-Lo Seat
The EZ Hi-Lo seating system lets you raise and lower the seat with one hand, which is genuinely useful. Ride high for casting and visibility, drop low when the wind picks up or you are pedaling into chop. The seat itself is comfortable for long days, with good back support. Small detail, big difference: being able to change position without a production is something you will use every single trip.
Storage and Rigging
The Knarr might be the best-organized kayak in its class. The “yard sale proof” rod management system secures up to six rods horizontally inside the tall gunwales, safe through surf launches and landings. Jackson’s TriTrak gear track runs around the whole boat for mounting anything, anywhere, and the through-hull wiring options keep electronics clean. Bow and stern hatches have raised lips to keep water out. It ships with a Multibox tackle management system, and the four-hole stern pattern plus a flattened bow area make it ready for trolling motors or a Power-Pole.
Flex Drive Mark IV Performance
The Flex Drive Mark IV is a propeller drive with instant forward and reverse, and it is one of the quietest pedal systems out there. The prop flips up for instant shallow-water clearance, which is a killer feature when you are crossing a flat to reach deeper water. Pedaling feels efficient, and the steering system was updated to single-handed operation that turns the boat easily even in waves. Newer models added foam blocks and a reinforced seat area to stiffen the whole deck.
Honest Drawbacks
This is a heavy boat: 138 pounds bare, 145 with the seat, and 158 with the seat and drive. Plan on a trailer. It is also long, so tight creeks and twisty rivers are not its happy place. And the 425-pound capacity is modest for a boat this size, so big anglers running a motor, big batteries, and full tournament gear need to do the math. For the battery, I recommend the WattCycle 12V 100Ah mini LiFePO4 battery with Bluetooth — it runs most 12V trolling motors up to 55lb thrust plus a fish finder, and it’s compact and light. Length does not equal capacity here.
Knarr FD Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 13’9″ |
| Width | 37″ |
| Weight | 138 lbs / 145 lbs with seat / 158 lbs with seat and drive |
| Capacity | 425 lbs |
| Drive type | Flex Drive Mark IV pedal drive (propeller, forward and reverse) |
Jackson Knarr FD Fishing Kayak FAQ
Is the Jackson Knarr FD good for offshore fishing?
Yes. It was designed specifically for oceans, surf launches, and big water, with a hull shaped for waves and current.
Does the Knarr FD come with the pedal drive?
Yes. The Flex Drive Mark IV is included, along with the EZ Hi-Lo seat and Multibox tackle system.
Can you mount a trolling motor on the Knarr?
Yes. The stern has a four-hole mounting pattern and the bow has a flattened, mountable area with steering geometry for motors.
How do you transport a 158-pound kayak?
A trailer is the realistic answer. The drive removes easily, which helps, but roof-racking this boat solo is not practical.
Where to Buy
If the Jackson Knarr FD Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Jackson website for the Jackson Knarr FD.
Affiliate disclosure: KayakDIY may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to the reader. Product availability, pricing, and promo codes can change; verify them before purchasing. Also check out our reviews of the Jackson Coosa FD Fishing Kayak.
