Tripper 12

I use my Tripper for fishing. I was all set to buy a Kilroy, but found out that the Tripper 12 is 90% the same, just minus the fishing goodies. I watched a lot of videos, as there were no Kilroys or Trippers in my area to demo.

I added four 8 inch sections of track, just like the Kilroy has. And I added some Harbor Freight non skid rubber mats, and of course a mile crate. Just last weekend I added a fish finder. I'm not sure it helps me catch more fish, but it's fun to play with.

All in all I give the Tripper a 9. It's not perfect but it's close enough. Stability island tracking are excellent, the seat is comfortable and it's easy to paddle.

I had a few different Jackson Day Trippers and now I the Jackson Tripper 12 which is the next evolution of the Tripper 12.

One thing I noticed if it was possible is that the new Tripper 12 is even more stable than the original Day Tripper which I thought was rock solid in the water but the Tripper 12 is even more stable with the new bottom haul design. Even with the seat in the high position and me weighing 280lbs (For now. Lol) the Tripper is rock solid. Never once even in high winds with water being choppy did I feel like it was going to tip over. It is a very confident inspiring kayak for those who want a rock solid feel in the water.

The new haul paddles quicker through the water and you have plenty of storage space. It is a great all around kayak I use for fishing, camping out of or just paddling around it is a very versatile kayak. Everyone in the family can paddle one.

Dog friendly kayak. Bought this boat to paddle with my 65 pound aussie. He fits well in to cockpit in front of me. It is very stable and reasonably agile. Will probably get a lighter, thinner boat for solo paddling.

Last year I purchased a Kilroy and sent in a review on it. This year my wife decided to get a kayak. She purchased a 10 ft. sit on top kayak because of the ease of getting off. She took it out twice and complained of the stability and tracking. She had tried my Kilroy and liked it and after our third outing we went over a rapid that dropped 10 feet in a 50 foot distance. The SOT got hung on a rock and she was spun around and went down backwards. After that she swore she would never take that kayak out again. The next day we went back to Ozark Mountain trading company and she traded for Jacksons new Tripper 12, which is the same kayak as the Kilroy but without the fishing amenities and is about $250 cheaper. She now loves the kayak and says she feels secure in it although I cant get her to go back down that rapid again.

For anyone who wants a very stable, straight tracking kayak, I believe the Kilroy and the Tripper 12 is the way to go.