There! You do fish more with this boat! Like a little wind is not longer an issue, steering is not longer an issue, it is an amazing piece of technology, it doesn't bring much views and yet it is the boat I choose to take when I'm fishing. Great job old Town
Just bought this kayak and fished it all weekend.....FREAKING AWESOME. THE spot lock is a game changer for snook fishing. You find fish under a dock and you can position with spot lock and cast all day. Tore the snook up this weekend and I’m so glad I bought this. It’s absolutely amazing
Johnson/Old Town has been fantastic to deal with. I actually found an AutoPilot 120 in stock not far away. Old Town was a big help in getting me into one of their kayaks.
Super review. That is literally a dream boat. I think the biggest testament to its quality is the fact that you actually sold your big boat. Great video.
I'm so on the fence over a fully decked out 136. It's the $5-$6k w/LFP that gives me pause as I can buy a nice 16-18' boat, toss in an actual electric outboard and be able to bring a couple friends. But I love the idea of just going out in a kayak. Really appreciate your summary of your first 3mos.
I really learned a lot about this kayak today. Thanks for the thorough review. This is the first time I've watch anyone go through all the features. Two things I'm really impressed with, the foot rudder control while using the electric motor, so cool, and the adjustable height on the seat. Excellent overview of the Auto Pilot Joshua!
@@Saltyscales You are welcome. Fishing sounds good. I've had a few off trips lately, struggling to get enough worthy content for a video. Went this morning, had to change locations do to the wind, didn't do very well, a couple of little Snook. My goal is to try and get hooked up with another decent poon soon.
I'm picking mine up tomorrow. Hope you are still enjoying your 120 Autopilot. Been watching all the vids for months now. This is a great vid. Great walk through after having had it for a time... Much appreciated.
Agreed this is arguably the best freshwater and possibly inshore/flats kayak on the market. You actually fish more because the motor does the majority of the work. Love my 136 but my man...GET LITHIUM! lol You won't regret it.
I bought my 136, yesterday. (May have been the last one in stock in the DFW area) Trying to make an appointment for registration, since all they are doing is appointment only. Can't wait to get on the water.
Excellent review. I have placed two orders now. Very patient during the pandemic however the statement of the folks at old town are great has been far from accurate with my experience. While I will not cancel my order it is because of the product not the service. Order June 18 with an est arrival of early October. Old town cancelled my first order and would not help resolve or speak to me. Hope there is no warranty issues in the future - they will likely ghost you no matter how patient you are.
All your description about the yak was nice and informative useful. What impresses me to see was your friend was on for a ride. Is it possible to set up a seat back there or a case to seat on? Can it carry a 200 lbs person w/o a problem? I have my reason why I asked the question rather than buy a tandem for occasional use.
I can appreciate that but no one has paid me to advertise for OT. I have been using OT kayaks long before they sent me one. Look back at my older kayak videos. The reason we did that was to show all the people that it can support heavy loads, many people argued that it didn't have a 500lb capacity but I can assure you it does. Add a seat and go off into the sunset.
I have the sportsman 106 and also use a 100ah lead acid battery. I will be buying a lithium this winter just to cut down on the weight. Lifting that stupid 60lbs battery in and out all the time sucks. A 100ah lithium is about 24lbs. For me it’s worth the $ just for the weight reduction.
great video. after watching the video Chris did several weeks ago, i was so stoked about this kayak that i sold my PA14. now have the AP136 in the garage and will be going on its maiden voyage in 2 days. so stoked!!
Hey Josh, first I have to say this is this first video of yours I've watched and have subscribed because you do a great job with describing and are just a joy to listen to. Is there any flushing of the trolling motor required or that Min-kota recommends when in salt water?
I have a bonafide ss127 and was going to get a hobie PA14 360 but I catfish a lot and I think this might win overall still up in air decisions decisions
Hey Josh.. Great video and great review.. Looks to be all I thought be it would be and waiting on my 136.. I can't wait but easier because my trailer isn't done yet, so makes waiting somewhat easier . Gotta admit I was concerned over stability, but your video has eased my mind alot.. Can't wait to get out there someday with y'all.. Keep up the good work and thanks so much for sharing. Always your friend,, fan, and subscriber..
Pretty much sold on the 120. I’m in decent physical condition, and wanted to know your thoughts on horsing it into and out of a truck bed as opposed to trailering it?
Ya, huge batteries, huge weight, too much stuff. Kayaks were minimalist, and some still are . I bought a kayak to avoid having to register the vessel. Plus, I love pedaling for the exercise. Not for me. Great video.
In this video I was fishing a lead acid and could fish for 12 hours and not kill the battery. I have since updated to a lithium and plan to do a video very soon.
Absolutely Bill, if your budget allows for it, you won't regret it. Wide beam, very stable. Spot lock, no anchor necessary. Rod rails and plenty of storage. Great in shallow water but allows you to fish deeper water and strong current.
Very good review! I have been fishing out of a pdl for 4 years now and thought I would never consider changing to another kayak but after installing a live scope on my current kayak and finding that staying on spot is a must in order to use the live scope but difficult unless I put out 2 anchors out. Really got me to thinking this may be the way to go, functionality of a full size boat in a kayak package. Thanks again for your review!
i love mine! I do have one question. I have trouble with the motor depth......how do you know when its aligned? My motor head is all the way down is that wrong?
oh, if anyone has a similar issue I could use input. I have a full artificial hip. Sitting is a thing for me thus the seat is concerning to me. I wonder most about height and how long I could sit. My question is if anyone has tried either this seat or found a 3rd party higher seat that can be adjusted when moving in rougher conditions.
*What A Great Review Josh and Chris... The Info, Demo's, Video & Editing were very well done... That camera shot from the deck looking straight up of Josh de-hooking the bass w/Chris & the Moon above at **18:23** was so cool... My moon guess was the Video was shot on Wed, May 27th... Also... the part at **15:27** of the Beautiful Rainbow and-not-so-beautiful-Hitchhiker-Chris standing behind you, & hand mouthing your words... was Hilarious. PS I got the Salty Strikes Decal Gifts on Sat... Thanx again, Joshua!* ..gw
Is it common to have water by your feet all the time on this kayak? I have the pdl 120 and don't have that problem. It seems like all the videos on the autopilots there is constant water on the deck by your feet
Hey Josh, just latched on to your great video. I have a Sportman 120 PDL that I fish here in the Casco Bay of Maine and love it, getting older I am considering the MinnKota version. I believe I have read every comment and don't see any mention about hitting seaweed with the MinnKota and how that prop handles it. When I hit a patch of seaweed with my PDL, it stops my pedaling almost immediately where I have to pull up the prop and pull it all off. What's your experience if or when you hit seaweed with the MinnKota?
Thanks for the quick response Josh. I believe you mentioned that you had a PDL before your MinnKota model. Did you experience the seaweed issue with your PDL to know how frustrating a clump can be on the prop?
Thanks Josh! Your videos have me sold on this. Quick question for you or others that own this or another similar, heavy fishing kayak. How do you transport this? One of the pros of kayak fishing imo is the ease of transport....not relying on a trailer. If I had to use a trailer I would probably just purchase a small bass boat. Does anyone have experience with these on a roof rack? From what I've researched these kayaks far exceed the weight limits of lift assist accessories. (Around 125lb without the trolling motor) I can't seem to find any good info on this. Any tips or suggestions?
Game over for other kayak companies. I mean what else can they do after this unless Old Town starts making Kayak transformers that turn into a full size boat then back to a kayak lol
Richard Keller I saw a video where they said you could keep the rear latch disengaged and the force of the motor in forward keeps the motor stable and if you hit something the motor will pivot up. But you cant go in reverse unless it is latched because of the direction of the forces.
Yes, there is a kill switch built into the motor that activates when the motor is full deployed. Upon impact, the motor will raise, breaking the circuit and killing power to the motor.
question for you... just took autopilot 120 out for the first time... I have noticed that the minnkota wobbles when in the water... wobbles after steering corrections and can be wobbled around by hand. Is this normal..?
@@quinnm.2314 If you are still experiencing wobble, make sure you pull the cord all the way, even past when it beeps. This ensures that the motor is fully deployed and prevents any wobbling during use. You may also want to check your propeller. Even a small amount of weeds or fishing line wrapped around the prop can throw it off balance and cause some wobble.
Best Kayak on the market hands down! It's honestly unreal that we could fish on the kayak together like a Jon Boat
That was a pretty cool and unplanned might I add, last-minute idea lol.
This kyak is beautiful
@@williamgwynn6624 It is an amazing machine
Love mine 👍
There! You do fish more with this boat! Like a little wind is not longer an issue, steering is not longer an issue, it is an amazing piece of technology, it doesn't bring much views and yet it is the boat I choose to take when I'm fishing. Great job old Town
Yes sir!
Just bought this kayak and fished it all weekend.....FREAKING AWESOME. THE spot lock is a game changer for snook fishing. You find fish under a dock and you can position with spot lock and cast all day. Tore the snook up this weekend and I’m so glad I bought this. It’s absolutely amazing
People don't understand how great it is until they fish from one. Welcome to the OT family.
@@Saltyscales thanks
Johnson/Old Town has been fantastic to deal with. I actually found an AutoPilot 120 in stock not far away. Old Town was a big help in getting me into one of their kayaks.
One of the best videos on TH-cam !! The quality review on such an incredible Kayak. Then the last bass for the final touch!!
Sounds a little heavy but looks like a solid choice. The spot lock is awesome. Good video captain
Super review. That is literally a dream boat. I think the biggest testament to its quality is the fact that you actually sold your big boat. Great video.
Yes sir, until I miss my boat I will be kayak and land-based. I do have friends with boats, however.
I'm so on the fence over a fully decked out 136. It's the $5-$6k w/LFP that gives me pause as I can buy a nice 16-18' boat, toss in an actual electric outboard and be able to bring a couple friends. But I love the idea of just going out in a kayak.
Really appreciate your summary of your first 3mos.
Customer service is incredible!!! Emailed engineers and 10 mins later they emailed back 15 mins later new part in the mail.
Very nice
I really learned a lot about this kayak today. Thanks for the thorough review. This is the first time I've watch anyone go through all the features. Two things I'm really impressed with, the foot rudder control while using the electric motor, so cool, and the adjustable height on the seat. Excellent overview of the Auto Pilot Joshua!
Thanks for watching JC, lets connect soon and go fishing. 👍
@@Saltyscales You are welcome. Fishing sounds good. I've had a few off trips lately, struggling to get enough worthy content for a video. Went this morning, had to change locations do to the wind, didn't do very well, a couple of little Snook. My goal is to try and get hooked up with another decent poon soon.
Just bought the 136 for myself for Christmas. Just getting into kayak fishing. Eager to get it in the water, but too cold right now.
You'll love it
I'm picking mine up tomorrow. Hope you are still enjoying your 120 Autopilot. Been watching all the vids for months now. This is a great vid. Great walk through after having had it for a time... Much appreciated.
They are great. Love my AP 120
Maybe when a one year review is done, an assessment of paddling it can be done in the event the prop is damaged by a submerged obstacle.
For sure, she paddles fine but not as efficient that is for sure.
Agreed this is arguably the best freshwater and possibly inshore/flats kayak on the market. You actually fish more because the motor does the majority of the work. Love my 136 but my man...GET LITHIUM! lol You won't regret it.
Couldn't agree more!
Awesome kayak the only thing it doesn’t do well is launch from a beach in surf but everything it does all the others will copy
I bet you wanted to kick it into full speed when Chris was on the back, nice bass he caught.
I thought about it lol
I bought my 136, yesterday. (May have been the last one in stock in the DFW area) Trying to make an appointment for registration, since all they are doing is appointment only. Can't wait to get on the water.
Destin/Fort Walton? Lol
Is there a kill switch....how about a seat that can rotate so you'll able to be facing at the stern
Excellent review. I have placed two orders now. Very patient during the pandemic however the statement of the folks at old town are great has been far from accurate with my experience. While I will not cancel my order it is because of the product not the service. Order June 18 with an est arrival of early October. Old town cancelled my first order and would not help resolve or speak to me. Hope there is no warranty issues in the future - they will likely ghost you no matter how patient you are.
All your description about the yak was nice and informative useful. What impresses me to see was your friend was on for a ride. Is it possible to set up a seat back there or a case to seat on? Can it carry a 200 lbs person w/o a problem? I have my reason why I asked the question rather than buy a tandem for occasional use.
I can appreciate that but no one has paid me to advertise for OT. I have been using OT kayaks long before they sent me one. Look back at my older kayak videos. The reason we did that was to show all the people that it can support heavy loads, many people argued that it didn't have a 500lb capacity but I can assure you it does. Add a seat and go off into the sunset.
Just got my a 120 and loving it. I'm following your for sure.
Awesome review brother. I've been on my sportsman 120 pdl for 2 seasons and i love it but I'm considering upgrading to the autopilot.
It'd be interesting to see how you transport this beast! And if you plan to keep your catch, where would you stow the fish?
Transport with a pickup, catch can go on a stringer or in a cooler.
I have the sportsman 106 and also use a 100ah lead acid battery. I will be buying a lithium this winter just to cut down on the weight. Lifting that stupid 60lbs battery in and out all the time sucks. A 100ah lithium is about 24lbs. For me it’s worth the $ just for the weight reduction.
The lead battery is heavy and I will be doing the same. Save the back and get more power, better warranty.
Deng, wish I waited a bit longer before buying my sea ghost 110. Upgrade in the future 😎
She is a dream kayak for sure.
great video. after watching the video Chris did several weeks ago, i was so stoked about this kayak that i sold my PA14. now have the AP136 in the garage and will be going on its maiden voyage in 2 days. so stoked!!
Nice, let us know what you think when you get her out on the water.
Great review! I am one of those Big Guys and your video has convinced me to purchase one! Thanks for the review!
Glad I could help!
Hey Josh, first I have to say this is this first video of yours I've watched and have subscribed because you do a great job with describing and are just a joy to listen to. Is there any flushing of the trolling motor required or that Min-kota recommends when in salt water?
No sir, just spray it off with freshwater.
what maui Jim sunglasses are you wearing in this vid they look sick
I have a bonafide ss127 and was going to get a hobie PA14 360 but I catfish a lot and I think this might win overall still up in air decisions decisions
I wasn’t even thinking about buying a kayak until “This Man” sold me on this! Thank you Josh!
You are welcome. they are fun!
I have the 106mk.. I'm looking at adding the 120ap in my fleet in 2 years..
Both are great 👍
Hey Josh.. Great video and great review.. Looks to be all I thought be it would be and waiting on my 136.. I can't wait but easier because my trailer isn't done yet, so makes waiting somewhat easier . Gotta admit I was concerned over stability, but your video has eased my mind alot.. Can't wait to get out there someday with y'all.. Keep up the good work and thanks so much for sharing. Always your friend,, fan, and subscriber..
What is the ETA Rick?
This is a great review and I am sold. Getting one ASAP.
Same here!
Good choice!
Nice review man! I'm picking one up today! This is the first video and i'm subscribing. Don't know why bro, but you remind me of Negan lol
You'll be happy with your purchase.
Pretty much sold on the 120. I’m in decent physical condition, and wanted to know your thoughts on horsing it into and out of a truck bed as opposed to trailering it?
Trailer that baby, she is heavy, and if you value your back. You'll want to trailer it.
you've just convinced me to buy this yak. Thanks, it will definitely be a huge upgrade from my feelfree lure 11.5v2
You won't regret it
How much did you pay for the kayak? Also how much did you pay for the PFD and Hat? They look brand new.
Ya, huge batteries, huge weight, too much stuff. Kayaks were minimalist, and some still are . I bought a kayak to avoid having to register the vessel.
Plus, I love pedaling for the exercise. Not for me. Great video.
still waiting for my sportsman pdl 120. been 2 weeks today.
It's worth the wait. 👍
Nice review. Good detail and information!😎🐟🤙🏼
I have a Native propel13 and love everything about it but the seat. VERY UNCOMFORTABLE
How's the seat
awesome video. very informative. i hope when my 106 comes in the mail in the next week or so i could relate. im so sick and tired of my big fish 108
I hope so too!
Approximately how many hours of fishing can you get on a full battery charge? Does it use a normal size deep cycle marine battery?
In this video I was fishing a lead acid and could fish for 12 hours and not kill the battery. I have since updated to a lithium and plan to do a video very soon.
Very nice great review . later day most definitely do a video, of how it handles past the breaker waves sea side.👍
I wonder if this could handle a ripping tide in an inlet
It handles our inlets but I am not sure how much you want to test fate.
Josh, would recommend this for a first time kayak fisherman for inshore fishing?
Absolutely Bill, if your budget allows for it, you won't regret it. Wide beam, very stable. Spot lock, no anchor necessary. Rod rails and plenty of storage. Great in shallow water but allows you to fish deeper water and strong current.
Next up, the Ascend 133x -VS- Old Town Sportsmen 120/136 AutoPilot???
Can you put something on the scupers whole so the water won't come inside the kayak
waiting on mine …. being patient but dang i’m ready
It's worth the wait.
Great love it I have a Toyota Rav 4 will I be able to transport on a good roof rack with the larger model the 136
You could but the 136 is a beast.
No
Hope to buy one by early fall, good video thanks
Thanks for the review. You've help me settle my mind.
You're welcome
How skinny of water are you able to get in with the trolling motor down? Still see a need fir a stakeout pole at times?
Less than a foot. Stake out poles for when you want to get out and park to fish.
Very good review! I have been fishing out of a pdl for 4 years now and thought I would never consider changing to another kayak but after installing a live scope on my current kayak and finding that staying on spot is a must in order to use the live scope but difficult unless I put out 2 anchors out. Really got me to thinking this may be the way to go, functionality of a full size boat in a kayak package. Thanks again for your review!
Glad I could help!
i love mine! I do have one question. I have trouble with the motor depth......how do you know when its aligned? My motor head is all the way down is that wrong?
oh, if anyone has a similar issue I could use input. I have a full artificial hip. Sitting is a thing for me thus the seat is concerning to me. I wonder most about height and how long I could sit.
My question is if anyone has tried either this seat or found a 3rd party higher seat that can be adjusted when moving in rougher conditions.
Any issues striking underwater objects causing damage to the trolling motor?
No sir and I've had her shallow. Doesn't mean you wouldn't want to take precautions if in a sketchy area.
You've sold me. Good video, thanks!
Thanks for watching Mike. 👍
Do you prefer the 120 or would you get the 136 since it's only like $200 more for the 136?
I like the smaller 120 for inshore but if I was exploring more turbid waters I would choose the larger boat.
What happens to the trolling motor if u hit something in shallow water? Does it just kick up or what?
It will kick up
Is any spot/ hole for using plug in cart for transport short distance?
What happened to you getting that Sea Pro 248 you reviewed? did you buy it? I want to see a review of it!
I was just boat shopping at the time. I have found that I am fishing off the kayak more than the boat as of now.
*What A Great Review Josh and Chris... The Info, Demo's, Video & Editing were very well done... That camera shot from the deck looking straight up of Josh de-hooking the bass w/Chris & the Moon above at **18:23** was so cool... My moon guess was the Video was shot on Wed, May 27th... Also... the part at **15:27** of the Beautiful Rainbow and-not-so-beautiful-Hitchhiker-Chris standing behind you, & hand mouthing your words... was Hilarious. PS I got the Salty Strikes Decal Gifts on Sat... Thanx again, Joshua!* ..gw
Thank you for the awesome review! Is the lead acid battery still holding up well?
You're welcome, no complaints with the battery except the darn weight lol.
Is it possible to attach pedals instead of the motor
It is not unfortunately, not yet anyhow.
great review I just bought one
Is it common to have water by your feet all the time on this kayak? I have the pdl 120 and don't have that problem. It seems like all the videos on the autopilots there is constant water on the deck by your feet
Yes sir, one reason I wear the boots.
@@Saltyscales have you tried using plugs?
Hey Josh, just latched on to your great video. I have a Sportman 120 PDL that I fish here in the Casco Bay of Maine and love it, getting older I am considering the MinnKota version. I believe I have read every comment and don't see any mention about hitting seaweed with the MinnKota and how that prop handles it. When I hit a patch of seaweed with my PDL, it stops my pedaling almost immediately where I have to pull up the prop and pull it all off. What's your experience if or when you hit seaweed with the MinnKota?
Thanks for the comment. Grass and seaweed have been no problem. The little motor is strong.
Thanks for the quick response Josh. I believe you mentioned that you had a PDL before your MinnKota model. Did you experience the seaweed issue with your PDL to know how frustrating a clump can be on the prop?
Thanks Josh! Your videos have me sold on this. Quick question for you or others that own this or another similar, heavy fishing kayak. How do you transport this? One of the pros of kayak fishing imo is the ease of transport....not relying on a trailer. If I had to use a trailer I would probably just purchase a small bass boat. Does anyone have experience with these on a roof rack? From what I've researched these kayaks far exceed the weight limits of lift assist accessories. (Around 125lb without the trolling motor) I can't seem to find any good info on this. Any tips or suggestions?
I throw mine in the back of a pickup. You can car top but it's going to be heavy.
Other than the trolling motor how does it compare to the Hobie PA 14
Great review 👍🏻.... what’s the make and model of your sunglasses?
Mahi peahi by Mauji Jim 👍
I’m impressed! Good job bro!
Thanks
I'm thinking about getting the same model. However, I'm into snorkeling for lobster. So how stable is it for jumping out and back in?
Game over for other kayak companies. I mean what else can they do after this unless Old Town starts making Kayak transformers that turn into a full size boat then back to a kayak lol
Awesome review, I always love your honesty!
What is the life expectancy of the trolling motor? Does the motor come with a 1 year warranty?
Is it more stable that topwater 120 non pdl? Because thats what i have im big and feel like im foxing fall off when i stand up
I feel completely stable in the AP. The beam is very wide. The majority of my fishing is done standing up.
The new model of the old Town kayak any good and also do you prefer the hobie pro angler or the old Town
does it have to be registered like a regular boat?
It does
Have you had this yak in a River system? What is the minimum depth for the motor to still operate? Thanks.
Just found your review & nice job. Can you comment on setting up electronics in regards to the transducer? Anything to consider?
How does it compare from the Hobie PA, which, it is a bit more expensive
Ty
Is it easy to paddle in the super shallows?
I haven't paddled it alot but when I did, I had no problems.
If you are strictly using the remote, is the rudder in the up position? Is the rudder only deployed when using the steering pedals. A little confused
The rudder can stay down the entire time. When usin the remote, just straighten the rudder and carry on.
I'd love to hear how this is holding up after a year?
Is this boat available now at stores?
I have one but not like this.
Yes sir, you can also order direct from @oldtown
How can i spot lock in a specific direction? It holds me in the same position well, just not in the direction I want.
Micro power pole or wang. 👍
@@Saltyscales thanks for the response! I ended up standing and casting in the direction i wanted anyways...
Does the trolling motor come out easy when traveling?
Super easy, they really thought about those things when designing.
Any type of break away design on the trolling motor in case you hit a log or rock?
Nobody answers this question
Richard Keller
I saw a video where they said you could keep the rear latch disengaged and the force of the motor in forward keeps the motor stable and if you hit something the motor will pivot up. But you cant go in reverse unless it is latched because of the direction of the forces.
Thanks John
Yes, there is a kill switch built into the motor that activates when the motor is full deployed. Upon impact, the motor will raise, breaking the circuit and killing power to the motor.
How bad is it to paddle (in the event the battery drains)?
So are you steering it with the rear rudder???
question for you... just took autopilot 120 out for the first time... I have noticed that the minnkota wobbles when in the water... wobbles after steering corrections and can be wobbled around by hand. Is this normal..?
I have slight vibrations but no crazy wobble. Did you pull the pull cord tight?
@@Saltyscales only had it out once. I will next time and see if it makes a difference (i stopped at beep) Has that been a solution?
@@quinnm.2314 If you are still experiencing wobble, make sure you pull the cord all the way, even past when it beeps. This ensures that the motor is fully deployed and prevents any wobbling during use. You may also want to check your propeller. Even a small amount of weeds or fishing line wrapped around the prop can throw it off balance and cause some wobble.
the shoes you have on? great vid as well.
Xtra tuff boots
Nice setup 😎😎😎
Thanks bud! 👍
The kyak is beautiful
Yes sir
I want this kyak in a few months
Good choice 👌
It look like a registration sticker on the side of your kayak. Do you have to get it registered?
Yes indeed, anything with a motor has to be registered.
Joshua Taylor cool thanks and great channel!
So this is the 120 and you have 2 people fishing off of it....isnt there a bigger version also??