Blue Sky Boatworks continues winning run, lands ICAST Best Boat Award.

What a year for Blue Sky Boatworks. The new brand of quiet watercraft developed under the auspices of Jackson Kayak completed a record Kickstarter campaign in early spring, and recently in Orlando, the brand’s flagship model, 360° Angler, won Best of Category - Boats & Watercraft at ICAST, the premier fishing trade show in North America.

“We’re thrilled with the recognition,” said Jackson Kayak’s CEO, Eric Jackson. “But we knew we had something special from the moment we envisioned a more stable and versatile platform for anglers.”

Validation of the idea came in March with Blue Sky Boatworks’ Kickstarter capital campaign. When the campaign went live, it blew past its stated goal within a record two hours, finally topping out at over $300,000. The campaign not only helped fund final production, it revealed just how hungry the market was for a different and more versatile craft.

Riding on twin sleek hulls, the 360° Angler blends a bass boat’s stability and room with the stealth, agility and portability of a kayak. It can be pedaled using the patented FlexDrive system, paddled, poled or driven by the E-Drive electric motor coming in November by Blue Sky Boatworks. It can be trailered, car-topped and hauled in the back of most pick-up trucks; integrated wheels make it easy to get from vehicle to water. A fully adjustable Captain’s Seat swivels for a commanding view and all-day, fish-fighting comfort. Deck space and gear tracks handle gear, cooler, extra rods (in-hull storage), a four-legged friend, with room left over to stand and sight cast.

“It is without question the most feature-rich boat in its class,” Jackson said, “with stability and comfort beyond anything else out there. I think ICAST recognized the potential of the 360° Angler to revolutionize the category and draw new anglers to the sport. Which is what our industry needs. All credit goes to the design team.”

Jackson Kayak’s Brad Sisco and Tony Lee worked with paddle sports veteran Andy Zimmerman, boat-builder Rick Jones and multi-hull guru Jim Brown in developing the Blue Sky Boatworks line, which includes a recreational model called the 360° Escape. Both models began production in early July and are now shipping to dealers.

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About Blue Sky Boatworks: A new brand developed by a team from Jackson Kayak, Blue Sky Boatworks is an entirely new line of quiet watercraft that takes comfort, ease of propulsion and stand-up stability to new levels. Launching in 2018 with two models — the 360° Angler and 360° Escape — these boats ride on sleek twin hulls and feature a patent-pending, full-turning luxury seat, patented Flex Drive pedal-drive system (with lithium ion-powered E-Drive soon available) and a generous platform for full-circle casting from any angle. These super-stable craft offer easy access from the beach or dock, and open a world of possibilities for those who seek more than current kayaks offer. Blue Sky Boatworks are built at Jackson Kayaks’ plant in Sparta, Tennessee.

The 360º Angler
For those who want a boat specifically designed for fishing, the 360°Angler sits comfortably between the bass boat and the kayak without compromising space, comfort, accessories, storage, stealth and the ability to get to those skinny/shallow waters the big boats can't. The Angler has gear tracks for rod mounts, comes with rod holders, has hull storage for rods and tackle boxes and much more.

Length: 13'4"
Width 48"
Weight: 140 lbs (w/o seat & drive), 170 lbs (with seat & drive)
CAPACITY: 500 lbs
CONSTRUCTION: Rotomolded Polyethylene, anodized marine grade aluminium.