Submitted by: Paul
03-23-2009
     I believe the paddler who got the gash in the hull may have had the misfortune of finding a defect. My 4Fun has been pounded against more rocks than I care to recall with no damage other than surface scratches.

Generally speaking the lighter plastic of these boats do not represent a weakness. The cross-linked plastic that Jackson uses is more expensive material, requires longer cook times at higher temps, and is harder to work with for safety reasons, but the result is a lighter plastic that is stronger than the linear plastic used by most manufacturers. It is, however, more difficult to repair if it does get damaged.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: kanaka
05-30-2008
     I loved my Jackson 4 Fun. Loved the light weight, volume, comfort and handling while surfing and rolling. Unfortunately, some of this comes at a cost, the light weight for example.

After buying a used 2007 model and using it a half dozen times on my local river I managed to put a 6 inch gash in the boats hull, right below the seat. I did this after going over a rock once, - the same rock I have hit many times in other kayaks.

What I learned, or I think I learned, is that the boats light weight comes at the price of a less durable plastic. And if you try and repair that plastic, watch out. It can’t be welded and very few if any manufactured adhesives or epoxies will bond to it.

One common recommended repair process was to use 3 M, Vinyl Mastic Tape. Ever try and find such an item in Canada? Unless your buying the item by the gross – don’t bother.

Never the less, for basic down river and some “playboating”, the boat is designed very well. Still, I can’t help but question the plastic used. Before you buy, do your research and make up your own mind. I give my Jackson 4 Fun, 4 out of 10, because the numbers match.
Rating: 4 of 10

Submitted by: Paul
11-09-2007
     I bought an old school boat cheap to see if I liked whitewater then soon began my search for the 'perfect' spud boat. I needed a boat that I would not outgrow as my skills improved. Comfort was another major issue because I spend long hours on the water running rivers, yet I wanted a boat short enough to easily fit in the back of my SUV and light enough to carry around easily.

I tested a lot of boats until the 2007 4Fun arrived and it has been everything I had hoped. Built on a stable platform, it spins, carves, and punches through holes on command, even when my commands are not as authoritative as they should be. I am at a bit over the recommended weight for this boat but it does not seem to cause any problems except perhaps reduce my speed a little. My skill level has not reached the point that I can comment on it as a play boat but more experienced paddlers have shown me the boat is capable of the moves, one of whom bought his own 4Fun soon after taking mine for a test paddle.

I personally prefer the light and simple outfitting and do not mind occasionally pulling the cords to re-adjust the backband. The boat comes standard with the HappyCheeks and HappyFeet, both I find extremely comfortable. At the recommendation of a friend I also added the HappySeat which inflates under your thighs for enhanced security, comfort, and flotation. I find it a welcome addition that eliminated a slight soreness I would get in my hips after an hour or two of sitting still. Now I rarely need to stretch and sometimes remain in the boat while others in my group take a break.

This boat is also super easy to roll. My few swims have been a result of panic and poor mental preparation as this boat has easily rolled up every time I have made the attempt, even when my form was not quite up to par.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: Erik Bullington
04-23-2007
     I am not the most talented person when it comes to kayaking. I recently began taking classes at a local university, I have been using the 4 Fun made by Jackson Kayak and it is an extremely comfortable boat that seems to have all the bells and whistles. Again I am not an expert nor am I close but this does seem to be the type of boat that was well thought out from start to finish. All in all... excellent!
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: Wavespinner
08-22-2006
     The first thing you notice is the weight (30 lbs.), of lack thereof. This caused me to check for flex or oilcanning. None. The design and manufacturing are superb.

Then, you get in, adjust the Happy Feet and Sweet Cheeks and note that it feels snug and plush, but not so snug you couldn't easily bail out. The knee padding is simply great.

Everything is well thought out on the boat. Holes are minimized through unique ways of attaching outfitting. The lip forward of the cockpit will hold a paddle while you're using your hands for popping on the sprayskirt or whatever. The boat feels comfortable after hours of hard play or paddling, although I did find that the Happy Feet will "moosh around" and change from the optimum foot position. The deck bar is not large enough to make it easy for rescuing an inverted buddy.

It's touted as a river running playboat and is one of the few dual purpose boats that does both well. You can paddle it at flat trim and not worry much about catching an aft edge. This provides you with decent downriver speed.

While my play repertoire was limited, this kayak has added to it. It's not an all-out player, but has the tools to do most things pretty well. It's predictable and rolls easily. The deck sheds water in a surf and resists purling.

All in all, an aptly named boat. I'd highly recommend test driving one.
Rating: 10 of 10

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