Old Town AutoPilot Sportsman 136 (Why I wouldn't)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2020
- Here's a few thoughts on why I wouldn't fish from the Sportsman Autopilot in our local waterways.
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I miss the days on TH-cam where people gave honest reviews about products. I’ve seen a lot of videos on the autopilot and you can definitely tell who got one for free and who is holding back trying to get noticed. It’s refreshing to hear an honest review from someone that just wants to fish the most efficient way possible. I have to admit you had me rethinking my order till you got to the part who this kayak is for, the story about the couple that take them out together is where my wife and I fit. Keep doing you Man, love the videos. FYI I see those seat risers on there lol. 👍🥃🇺🇸
Hahaha. You see those seat risers. That will be the next video!
You and your wife will enjoy it. I had a blast driving it around!
Well I don’t own one and I don’t fish big bodies of water but I’m do feel it’s to much money and a lot going on for a kayak. Wit that been said 2500 is still a lot but I was looking to get the old town sportsman 106 powered by minn Kota.
I like the 106MK. Simple design and easy to use.
No matter how you feel about this review, this kid is spot on!!! Old town should be hiring him for manager of product and development for them!!! Period!!! If i owned old town, I'd be making this kid an offer he couldn't refuse!!!!! A realistic review is priceless!!!!! People get so caught up in branding and labels!!! This is the best real world review I've seen on this channel, in a long time!!!! Keep up the good work brother!!! I'll give old town my hard earned money when they fix the bad design quirks, you've mentioned.
these guys are the biggest supplier of after market parts for the old town line... hell Old town doesnt even have the stuff these guys do
Old Town should value this review more than any other positive review
Truth!
Yeah maybe instead of no Christmas card they should hire you for saltwater r&d.
I appreciate your honest opinion. I was looking into a few different brands. This helps quite a bit. Very valid points you have.
Thank you for your honesty. Never compromise your values.
Thanks for watching, Sean.
I know I'm late to the party but I find this review very refreshing and informative. The flaws you've pointed out are problems that should've been detected during the product development and test phase of the kayak and I hope that Old Town has taken to heart your comments. Old Town is still high on my list of contenders for a new kayak but I'll be sure to take a good look at whichever kayak I end up choosing to see if they've incorporated the changes you suggested. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Overall it’s going to be a good platform. Just needs some tweaking.
Thanks Nick, Spot On "Call em like you See em" Brother, We all Appreciate !
Thanks for placing the order this morning, sir.
I think this is a great, informative video. I just recently purchased the OT AP 136, but I wish I had seen this review before. You bring up a lot of interesting points. Since this was posted almost 2 years ago, I am hoping that Old Town used this as a way to make a better product for the consumer. I am a 70 year old mother of 7, and grandmother of 16. I spent most of my yearly allowance for this boat, and I am hoping that I won't be facing a lot of the issues that you talked about! I fish mainly on local lakes that are relatively small, so big waves will not be part of my daily fishing experience. I do fish 5/6 days a week, and the winds come up every day in the afternoon. Anyway, I am rambling on now, but again, I want to thank you for this video. I have watched a lot of your videos, and what I get from that is that you are passionate about developing good products that make our fishing experience a better one....thank you.
Question, I’m a 60 yr old female who is interested in the autopilot 136 as well. I would be suit for local lake fishing. How do you feel about it after using it?
I like that you’re so unbiased. Keep it up.
"Fishablity" ....I'm not about marketing, I'm a fisherman...I'm about catching fish." Love it! Two thumbs up my man.
Thanks for watching, Dino.
Not for 4000 dollars I dont overpriced badly
They should of put a lot more thought into this kayak it’s all about the Money
Your honest opinion is why we respect you. Don’t stop doing you
I have 2 old town kayaks , the same one you commented on and I love the kayaks but agree 100% with you on what’s needs to be improved !
Thanks for the honest opinion. Opened my eyes to a few defaults that I didn't see.
Thanks for watching, Billy.
I hope old town fixes most of these issues soon, because it's a really nice kayka and I want to get one
Awesome review! From a strictly bass fisherman standpoint, I agree 100% with all your points. Especially agree with the hand remote. I enjoy fishing docks... most annoying thing is having a fish drag you under/into a dock with no instant reverse and needing to drop one hand just to paddle backwards.
Appreciate the honest review. All the amazing videos had me drooling but yours put me back on earth. Thanks again & tight lines.
Thanks for watching!
Great review man! You nailed it. You are asking very simple questions to the design team... and you did it in a calm, professional and honest way. I drive ships, and this reminds me when we, as operators of the navigation equipment are introduced with new navigation systems clearly designed by computer geeks who never sat in a conning chair... frustrating.
Very frustrating! Thanks for watching, Francisco.
I have one. I paid the full 4300 for it. Standing fishing is the only amazing part about it. Spotlock isnt really five feet and its slow as dirt. I almost wish I would have gotten a Hobie 360.
I am so glad you had the honesty of calling it like it is. An overpriced and extremely heavy kayak that is not for offshore fishing applications. Thanks for your honest and unbiased review. Two thumbs up. 👍👍
Thanks for watching, Santiago.
Thanks for your honesty. We’ve been researching which fishing kayak to buy and this kayak is a lot of money. You’ve given us some good points to think about. Thanks.
Thanks for watching, Judy.
i was at my dealer the other day and was looking a this exact model, color and everything, on the show room and noticed the hatch next to the seat wouldn't open. i looked over at the guy who works there and just shrugged. the kayak is a cool idea that serves a niche market. i'll be real impressed when they make a hybrid electric/pdl model
I look forward to it as well, Mike. I wouldn’t mind a motor but it needs to work efficiently.
Just saw on their website they have no plans for that. They don't want a model to be "ok" at both, they want two models to be great for what they were designed for.. 🤦♂️
Thank you for the honesty. Every observation you presented is very visible in other videos. Old Town should thank you. I going to buy from another manufacturer. Thanks again.
George, Old Town produces a quality line of kayaks. We use them every day for our charter/rental business without any issues. This boat has its place but it wasnt built for every situation.
MANY VALID MINOR AND MAJOR CRITICALLY IMPORTANT CONCERNS, especially considering the cost of this kayak !
THANK YOU for being a straight shooter and giving an honest opinion. The kayak fishing industry is full of people who do the exact opposite.
Very true, Trevor. It’s been painful to watch happen and I’ve had enough of it.
Awesome review. Nice to see an honest review instead of all the sponsored videos I see with others.
Thanks for watching!
Sooooooooo, I'm thinking Old Town isn't sending you a Christmas card this year???? Good, honest feedback.
I don’t think I will ever make it onto the Christmas card list lol
Really appreciate the thought out realistic review you did on this kayak. No reason to argue with the facts. Points well taken. I did get the Sportsman MK 106, lighter weight and for my particular use at my age of 70 the MK makes a great help to me to get out and back. Have had number of paddle kayaks and Native peddle kayak but issues arose with leg and hip issues to peddle so much. Keep up the good info.
I’m a big fan of the 106MK. I’m considering picking one up to fish out of this winter.
I really appreciate your thoughts on this kayak. You totally put some things into perspective that I hadn't even considered and in the process, saved me 4 grand! Thanks for the honest review, Oldtown should give you a job! Greetings from Germany! 👍🍻
Thanks for watching!
I appreciate your integrity, telling it like it is. My fishing style is kinda like yours: surf launches, offshore, big game. So I would never get this kayak. However, if I ever go back to bass fishing, this would be my kayak. Not interested in getting a bass boat, but this would be perfect for my needs.
Cobbs, thanks for watching. It’s cool kayak and I could see it being useful in a number of situations.
Your bass fishing comments at the end were hysterical and so spot on 😂😂😂 One of the best and most honest reviews of anything I have ever watched on TH-cam. Keep it up man.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Nick, For pointing the things i did not see for myself great walk through!!
Great video brother. Thanks for pointing out different issues. Like you said it definitely has its place and was built for a specific purpose. Like always we all enjoy honest reviews. keep up the hard work.
Thanks for watching, Will.
I just purchased my first kayak, a 2019 Predator MK. I really like the built in motor concept and figured I would use it for a year or two to make sure I like kayak fishing. I was then going to buy a brand new Autopilot. Every video I’ve watched say that it’s the best thing since sliced bread! Thanks for keeping it real and pointing out some definite concerns. Maybe they’ll make some improvements in a couple years. Thanks again for an honest review!!!! You have a new subscriber.
Thanks for watching!
A pretty popular youtube fisherman here in the North Texas coast is a big fan of these and was one of those first people they called in to test them. He really raves about the 120 Autopilot so much that he sold his 2019 outback because this fishing platform suited his needs. After he had been fishing on it for a couple of months I got a chance to see it close up and just give it a quick inspection. And just like you mentioned that tool was rusted, the harness on the minn kota mount was rusted, screws were already rusting, and top speed was only about 3-3.5 miles an hour. I love the convenience of not having to paddle and the spotlock is great but if you get hooked up you have to stop to put it on. It spins in circles with the wind or a bull red takes you for a ride. And then its the extra weight of the battery. IDK, it just seems for the price point they have some work to do....ijs
I agree. For the price point they really need to work out the issues you mentioned. I had a few more things I didn’t like but I didn’t want to come off as the guy who was bashing the product.
Thanks for the confirmation to info I got from a local owner. He had the same complaints as you presented here. Saved me some $$$$.
I am almost purchased the Autopilot and after watching this it was a “no brainer” to go with the Big Water PDL for for the fishing I want to do! Thank you! A very solid, informative video that allows people to truly decide if this model is best for them without the smoke screen of marketing!
It’s a great platform, Frank. It’s not for everyone though.
@@NavarreKayakFishing I agree, it is a great platform. I can see why people love it. My main concern with it was something going wrong with the motor and getting stranded. My friend works for the Harbor Police in Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod where I fish a lot. He told me that he had to tow in 4 kayaks in one day last week because the tide and winds became too strong for them to paddle.
I appreciate honest reviews like this. So many reviews are "it's great" without any explanation of why it's great. Often it's because they spent their money on it and want to believe it's great, or they are compensated to endorse the product. In this video you mention a problem, and explain why it's a problem. Like how the seat interferes with the opening of the waterproof compartment hatch. That's real, that's useful. Water collects in front of the seat because it isn't sloped towards the scupper holes. Again, something worth knowing. In aggregate, it seems like this kayak wasn't as well thought out as it should be. Hopefully the next generation will address some of the short comings.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Jeff. The goal is to point out issues so they can be improved.
This just makes my decision to go with my Sportsman 120 PDL's...thanks for your honesty Nick. I am loving the versatility of our PDL boats and have picked up numerous items from your website also...Sparky's Outdoor Adventures is going to stick with PDL's which our clientele have been very impressed with...it saves us $$$ since we don't have to register the boats which would have been the case if we went with autopilots...although that darn 120 AP had me close to pulling the trigger as my lead guide boat.
Good honest review & hope they appreciate some of the points you make, ie access for safely bilge pumping.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your honest opinion I was thinking about buying one but I think I will wait to see if they do some improvements on it
I think they will make some improvements and I look forward to it.
Extremely good points and I love the honesty.
Thanks for watching, Martin.
Man, this is a REALLY good review. It seems almost shocking to find a completely honest review! Just found your channel today and I liked this video so much I smashed that subscribe button 😀
Thanks for watching and subscribing.
Me too.
Thanks for your honesty, explanations, and effort to help others with this video. Well done. 👍
Thanks for watching!
@@NavarreKayakFishing -you're welcome! My wife and I are in Navarre. Love it here. This video educated me on some important things to consider & look for when making my purchase. ..bad thing is, there are So many out there!, the Good thing is, there are So many out there! Lol.
Your thought process & experience, and willingness to be Very open, specific, and thought provoking, probably saved me and many others, a lot of frustration & dollars! Thanks!
-new Subscriber 👍
Do your research before buying. Excellent review that points out some of the issues you want to know about when researching a purchase of such value.
Some great points. Some silly as well. The cup holder holding water was my fav. Lets hope all the fish are not wet that you bring out of the water.
I just started fishing Reds. No issues. Spot lock is not for "haulin' ass" and slamming into spot lock (glide, take your time). Water in the bow was not an issue until goimg into rougher water so.... Old Town offers half size scupper hole one way plugs and guess what, no water.
Seat was a bit off but you guys sold me the risers. PERFECT NOW.
I purchased this Kayak for freah water and to get where the Bass Trackers can't. I also made the purchase becuse $4000 is a great deal especially concidering it has an excellent trolling motor incorporated into the boat. Love, love, love this Kayak.
Pin has yet to show any corrosion but hey, I sprayed it just in case. I belive if I ever do break a shear pin... I better have a prop as well. The motor is built so well I seriously doubt the pin ever shearing. I have plowed throuh lilly pads with no issues. Oh, i also got your floating wing nut. Two to be exact. Nice job again.
Tracks in the back are for storage and tie downs. (lost of people like the Go Pro option) i am able to secure my crate, small cooler and live well and still have space for dry clothing/frog suit in case rain hits.
If you don't have the money I get it, it's easy to jump on board with the negatives. Like all things, you can make adjustments and make the Autopilot a great experience. No Kayak is perfect but man, the one I have is just a soid, well built Kayak.
Thanks for all your videos and keep on keepong on.
I have relocated. I miss watching you guys launch off the beach on my morning walks. When I paddle back to shore through the surf, I try to find an outflow so I can stay in flatter water and not get pushed from behind and turned. It does take some power and speed to succeed.
you, sir, just saved me 4k. I was in the market and ready to pull the trigger. Will go with a Predator PDL or back to Hobie Outback with a trolling motor. Much appreciate your honesty. From Maine.
You are so right about everything, I think they should have kept the flagship Predator PDL and focused on redesigning the back to add a Minnkota. Many guys have done a great job customizing a hand controlled MinnKota to fit the back of kayaks controlled with foot peddles, that would have been useful for those long treks to your fishing hole. But I would not want to give up the control and stealth of my PDL, having both options would have made a great fishing kayak. They missed the boat on this one.
Wow glad I ran across this video! You just saved me a chunk of money. I didn't really think about all this. Thanks
Thanks for watching, Robert.
Great points from someone who’s actually fished out of one. It sounds like the 106 MK may be the better buy in regard to their MK offerings. Comparing both current builds at least... No autopilot on the 106 but same 45 lb thrust mk with less moving parts, easier operation and a true front hatch. This is a good example of why one might skip a 1st gen production of something. Let them work out the kinks and wait for the 2nd gen
Man, TY for this. 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
Great explanation. I as well care about one thing - catching fish. What’s your opinion on using this for a “relaxed” version of trolling for spanish/kings along the beach. I’m not sure my lady is up for doing an 8 hour day with me in another Predator. Is it practical to run lures/baits for a full day affair to get into macks? Or would you still stick with the Predator? As someone that fishes a lot as well, would you still pass this up to be more relaxed after two really long days out front?
Elias,
My biggest three concerns are moving it across the beach, launching/landing, and flipping it back over if anything bad happen.
As far as trolling/cruising around it would be pretty darn awesome and I’m sure my legs would appreciate the time off.
The first three concerns plus the battery needing to be charged following every trip is why I’m sticking to the Predator. I know you understand how much prep work goes into to fishing every single day. The Predator requires a few less steps for me.
@@NavarreKayakFishing 100% with you on the launch & landing. I do have the lucky mega smooth inlet launch available that skips the worst step imaginable for this kayak, and it's the only reason I am even considering adding it to my fleet.
I believe you single handedly just convinced me to keep saving for the PA14.... Great points and awesome video..!!!
Just get the Bigwater 132 pdl
@@bigwater_outdoors too late 2021 PA14 in the garage...
Thank you for the honest opinion.
Thanks for watching.
What do you like for offshore and bridges? I have a paddleboard for flats fishing but need something for black drum and grouper around bridges. I like the Hobie pa14 360 but it's soooo $$$.
We use the Old Town Predator PDL’s for everything we do. The ability to pedal forward and backwards instantly helps us pull large fish away from structure regularly.
Finally someone was honest about the paddling efficiency (like trying to paddle a barge). Had the cash money ready but will spend it on something else.
Maybe a Hobie Pro Angler? :)
Nick. Like many others have stated, it is soooo refreshing to get an honest review from somebody on ANY product. I own a 2014 Hobie PA14. I am primarily a big water (Lake Fork/Chicamauga/Guntersville) fisherman. I, like probably many fishermen, saw this new spot lock gimmick and said, “Well, that’s cool!” But anyone forking out $4k for a yak, should be getting a Cadillac product. When I paid $2999 for my Hobie back in 2014, my wife nearly crapped herself. But the PA14 is a quality fishing platform that has stood the test of time and provided me with many, many safe and comfortable fishing hours. That said, I don’t know if I would pay the $4999 for the new PA14. The prices of yaks have gone through the roof with the rising popularity of yak fishing. I’m glad you had the principals and honesty to provide folks with a God Honest review that will possibly keep them from having to experience that crappy buyer’s remorse that many of us have experienced through the years.
Kelly, I appreciate the kind words. The entire goal of the video was to point out issues that are always overlooked. It’s a cool platform but it’s not built for everything!
Prices of kayaks are crazy these days.
If I’m not going miles and am primarily inshore would the hobie outback be a better fit for me?
The Outback is a great kayak and will serve you well. I would go with the Outback or the Predator PDL.
I was skeptical about buying the autopilot after this review. However, after fishing out of it a few times I find this critique to be rather nitpicky. Of course it’s not perfect, but the Thing is awesome, especially fishing in current around structure the spot lock is amazing. I’ve hooked several large jacks and had no problem operating the remote and finessing them. Hobies are pretty heavy too, it’s a kayak, you’re going to get wet. Battery life is really good 90amp hour battery had me out there for 10 hours leaving me with 50% , motor was running most of the time on level 5 and spot lock. I can stand up and throw a cast net no problem especially with spot lock. I transport this car top on a Jeep cherokee and use a strap kayak cart to wheel it to a launch. I predominately do inshore nearshore fishing in south Florida.
Sean, I’m glad you enjoy the kayak. As a guy who has made a living taking people kayak fishing from all over the world and logs more time on the water in a month then most spend a year. I pointed out reason why it wouldnt work for what we do. I was hard on the kayak for a reason and I bet version two doesn’t have any of those issues.
You have my respect. Everything you pointed out was spot on.
Thanks for watching!
I'm glad I saw your video. This kayak was in my top 3 to buy for fishing. Which kayak you would suggest for inshore and fresh water fishing.
I’d rather have honesty, than appeasing to a company. Thanks for the honesty
Thanks for watching!
Glad to hear an honest opinion.
Thanks for watching, Gary.
Thank you sir for your honest review. We need more honest reviews on YT instead of companies giving away free product in exchange for reviews that create marketing hype. I am hoping OT will design a motor to drop in the PDL drive hole that way we don’t have to buy a new kayak to have an electric motor.
Thanks for watching, Kevin.
I ordered one but my primary use for it will be trolling. For trolling i think its going to be an improvement over pedal drive. If i ever get it! Ordered in march. Your comments about the square back end do worry me about fishing big water. When those big rollers start pushing on your back end going with a following sea it might push you around
Maybe they will use your constructive thoughts about it and make the next run better. Thanks for the great and honest review.
Thanks for watching, Derek.
Thank you Nick for sticking with your opinions! Great good. and bad review!
It’s a cool platform and it has its place. It will work for some but it’s not for me.
Navarre Kayak Fishing | Florida Kayak Fishing Exactly and that’s why true opinions matter to everyone!
Thank you for this video. I was actually interested in one of these. I will stick with my hobie outback. I would still demo one, but the outback seems way better for saltwater fishing
The Outback is a great platform for going off of the beach.
Glad to hear an honest opinion and not one that was based on how much free merchandise or sponsorships someone received.
Thanks for watching, Joe.
Thanks for a honest review, I use the Predator PDL myself for the reasons you mentioned, but I’m sure there is a market for this type of kayak. Way to heavy for me as I fish alone, the Predator PDL is enough to handle for a 66 year old, but with some ingenuity it works for me. Thanks for all your videos. God Bless
Thanks for watching, Arthur.
Thanks for the insights on saltwater fishing with the autopilot feature.
Thanks for watching!
I'm glad you at least point out the negatives so people can make their own decisions as to whether this kayak is something that can serve their purpose. A lot of reviewers just fluff everything. It's a lot money for a kayak and it would be nice to be perfect but reality is none are perfect.
John, I agree. None of the kayaks are perfect and they all have pro’s and con’s. Thanks for watching!
I very much appreciate your run down of this kayak I was looking at getting one but like you I fish the gulf in Navarre fl and I have the old Town predator so very much appreciated the run down thanks
Thanks for watching, Chris.
Thanks for your honesty
Thank you so much for such a thorough review and most importantly for an honest opinion.
I was about to order this model, based on many other raving reviews. I now have to re-evaluate and take a much deeper look.
Doesn't mean I will not order, but this is very helpful!
I like the company and their creativity and groundbreaking features, but not at the cost of my safety.
Again thank you! Subscribed :)
Thanks for watching, Alex.
Have you had a chance to try 120? I wonder is that model has similar issues. I like the shorter version as 136 seems too big, as you pointed out. @@NavarreKayakFishing
I spent a bit of time around both models at the local dealership before using the 136. In my opinion, the 120 is a much better size option but will still have to majority of problems minus about twenty pounds.
Great real life review. As they say, every boat is a series of compromises. I think you clearly say what it’s probably good for and what it isn’t good for.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.
Great review!! I am so happy I watched it the 12’ version was on my list as a new kayak choice, not anymore I will probably go for a Hobie PA12
Thanks for watching, Brian.
Good honest review.. most reviews out there they got the yak for free.. glad I watched this
Thanks for watching.
Thank you for an unbiased opinion, that means a lot these days. After you start pointing stuff out I am like yeah, this kayak is really not designed for the fisherman. In California you would have to register it and pay that every year as well, another reason I like pedal drives.
It’s hard to beat a quality pedal drive.
Glad i ran across this. I do the same type of fishing u do but from Texas. What do u recommend for the abuse that is saltwater surf and backwaters?
We use the Predator PDL’s and the handle the abuse without any issues. They have served us well over the years. Depending on how shallow you’re going to fish in the backwater the propeller system may cause some issues.
I know this is an old video but its worth saying anyway - thanks for the real world review. For now I will stick with my old school Big Game Prowler, my very old fish finder and tons of storage inside the hatch underneath my legs - its beyond the expiration date and long in the tooth - but its set up how I like it for a day on the water with plano containers and lunch.
Thanks again for the honest perspective.
Thanks for watching, Robert.
Great video I appreciate your honest opinion.
Thanks 🙏
Thanks for watching, Todd.
Great insight! You could have saved someone a lot of money. I know it definitely opened my eyes. You have to get passed all the glitz and glamour sometimes and get down to the basics. Thanks, Budd. Tight lines.
Thanks for watching, Luis.
Great review! Disappointing since the reason I bought my Predator PDL was because it was so well thought out. I think the industry has been moving so fast with the Torqeedo and KBF allowing motors, Old Town, being a Johnson company, pushed to hard to incorporate the Ultrex, hoping to utilize that tech to get the jump on the competition. Definitely rushed production. It could've been so much simpler, and so much better. They dropped the ball with the Autopilot, but the Predator PDL is still one of the best fishing kayaks out there. I'm a big fan of the MX for skinny water as well.
Thank you for a honest review I have been looking at that kayak for the money I think I’m just gonna go with a bass boat
Thanks for watching, Mike.
Thanks Nick for your honest opinion. I think OT needs your expertise in designing a fishing kayak. It’s really great to have someone with your experience that’s willing to share it. Be safe! Charley Fortier
Thanks for watching, Charley.
Thanks. Just the information I was looking for.
Thanks for watching!
And have you ran your battery down in a day? I’m running the smaller battery from Walmart (for less weight) and have yet to run it down under half on the meter in a full day, even in tough conditions.
I like your video, I was thinking of buying this kayak what is your opinion on buying the correct kayak for the all around kayak for salt water and fresh water. I fish inland off shore and some fresh water lake and would like to know what your opinion is. Thank you for the video and your opinion. Thanks again
Angela, I’m a big fan of the Predator PDL also referred to as the Sportsman BigWater PDL now. They have served us well over the years and here’s a look at how I rig it - th-cam.com/video/30cqdU3MOfg/w-d-xo.html
I was "Nearly Sold" on buying this Kayak from a Dealer, but NOW I have reservations...! I already have 3 other kayaks, including a Native Watercraft Titan (Peddle Drive), and this would be my 4th Fishing Kayak.
After watching your video, I DO have lots of "Reservations"...!
Thank you So Much, for an Honest Review.
Great review! I'm happy I saw it since I'm in the market for a new kayak and the 136 was top of the list. The price tag was didn't push me away, but made me look for an honest review like this one. Living in south central Florida, I'm only in Salt water, mainly inshore intracoastal. I was looking for a pre fab yak with a motor, but I feel pedals will be more versatile for what I want to do. Would really have a hard time moving from a fast tandem wilderness that paddles like I'm in the Olympic trials, to one that paddles Luke a barge when the battery dies. Thanks again for the heads up. Any suggestions on other motor Yaks?
I just bought this kayak, and even after 4 years, this review is spot on. Storage sucks. You can't access the hull to pump out water if you sprung a leak. At full flank, the kayak is pretty slow. And you don't have the flexibility of the PDL 120. WOuld I take this offshore, no. Do I regret my purchase, no.... but I would have thought that over the 4 years OT would have made some improvements to this hull given what was said here. These are low hanging fruit improvements that are long overdue.
Lots of little things they could improve on.
I'm a new owner of an Autopilot 136 and your comments are spot on. Most of my complaints revolve around the motor. The mechanism for deployment is difficult to deploy and often will not retract without multiple attempts. The "washer" that retains one of the four shafts that secure the motor fell off with the first use. Two of the four shafts have snap rings and they should have utilized them on all four. There is a lot of slop in the mechanism and the left side of the chassis that the deployment rope connects to sits lower on the side the rope attaches creating binding of the pivot ball.
Spot lock is a great concept but at times seems confused and chases its tail in a no wind situation. When disengaging Spot lock the motor turns to some random position sometimes requiring it be turned 180° to move forward. Using the controller at night requires a light to see the motor position. The tracks are useable but should be more substantial. The area behind the seat should have track as well. The battery box is is a pain to remove and it would have been so easy to include a mounted plug to connect a charger. Better yet, it should have included a 150 ah Lithium battery system optimized for the boat. Add a power buss up front to power fish finders. They have provided a hole for the transducer cable and a transducer mount. Why not give me a way to power it?
I would say they cut too many corners. By far, the weakest link is the motor deployment mechanism. From the rope to the slop in the motor frame. I fear it will not stand the test of time! I also have a 106 and the throttle mechanism is easier to fish. The three retaining disks that lock the motor in place will not last. They are already showing looseness. The motor pivot shaft should been another inch longer.
Looking forward to a trip to Florida to fish with you!
Spot on!
I left several things out of the video because I didn’t want to come off as bashing the product. It’s a great idea but it wasn’t ready to go to market. For the asking price they should have done way more research and development in my opinion.
I recorded video of the motor stuck in the down position when the rope was released. I had to bump the release bar to get the motor to lift.
We are always around to fish!
Dec 10 2021.... THANKS... I been thinking to get this exact old town autopilot for a few weeks now. I was at a kayak fishing tournament last weekend in Crystal River and I did not see any of these on the water. It got me thinking. I appreciate your review. It's a nice looking kayak but the issues you pointed out are very valid. Definitely rushed to production. Hopefully they fix those issues you pointed out. I will wait....... I work in surgery and it's exactly the same issue in the Operating Room (OR) Whoever designed the OR has never worked in an OR, I see that everyday of my life.. So irritating. #oldtownautopilot
So glad i saw this. I was about to buy one...
Thanks for watching, Andrew.
Nick I have fished and had boats for along time and have an interest in picking up a kayak. I search around picking up what I can on the internet because there are no Old Towns in my area and I will not buy a boat until I can lay hands on one...never have and never will. Nick I value your opinion on these Old Towns ....your a good one
Thanks for watching! I’m a big fan of seeing things in person prior to purchasing as well.
Great video, honest video, we needs more videos like this one. Really helpful. God bless you!
Thanks for watching, Rafael.
i was thinking of buying one, but not anymore. thanks for the head up.
I'm a Hobie Pro Angler fanatic and fish mostly in saltwater. Just watched a 120 review video and have many questions regarding the features their usability/functionality. I was planning for a demo but don't think it's necessary after watching your review. Thanks for your honest review.
Like your honesty 👍🏻
Thanks for watching, Jerry.
I do freshwater do you think it is good for me?,think about getting the auto pilot 120
Austin, it’s a cool platform and I can see it being beneficial for a variety of freshwater fishing. Personally I would take the the pedal system over the motor for freshwater or saltwater. The pedal system is user friendly, quiet, and goes into reverse instantly.