Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak Review

In this video I enlisted the help of Old Town Kayaks Pro Staff member Anthony Winkleman to do a walkthrough, overview and review of the Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 fishing kayak.
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[@ChadHooverFishing]

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[@dustinnorman2658]

Hey Chad, I'm looking at the Old town Big Water 132 pdl and the Sportsman 120 pdl. I currently own the ATAK 120. How would you compare the stability of the Big Water 132 to the ATAK or the Sportsman if you have any experience on it?

[@kagebro11]

There’s a transducer mount location underneath! I use side scan no problem

[@jeremyway800]

Thank you for the review! Stoked to finish researching and finally purchasing a pedal kayak when everything lines up for me!

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Awesome. Thanks Jeremy. i have more to come

[@matthewhenry8739]

Its called the big water because the hull is made for choppy bay like conditions. The reason it feels tippy just a bit is because you need that motion to eat up waves. It performs great in saltwater.

[@tlashley]

Love this kayak! The transducer mount underneath is great! Just need a piece from Navarre Kayak Fishing. Same with the seat risers. It is nice to have the seat lifted a bit. Had mine for a year now!

[@JoeNajorFishing]

I love these videos Chad. I’m looking to buy for next season, so keep these reviews coming.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thank you Joe. Got quite a few more coming.

[@vickaiser]

I got the paddle version of this boat earlier this year. I’m glad you mentioned the stability vs performance issues. First time I stood up in this boat, I went in the drink. You’re right. You do kind of have to think about it. But when I’m sitting down, it’s super stable in some chip. Thanks for looking at this boat for us.

[@rex_ad_regum7540]

If you went in the drink on a Bigwater that's a you problem, not a Bigwater problem. I fish on it standing up all day. I even use a SUP paddle. A lot of people think they know more about it than they do. Bigwater is the best Kayak I have ever fished from.

[@Larry77777]

Hey Chad: Fishing kayak reviews are great and I watch every one I find. Having more of them from you is extra meaningful as bass fishing is my #1 species for fun. I spend a lot of time in my Tarpon 100 (I'm 5'7" 120lbs) paddling around in heavy weeds, lily pads and less than two feet of water. I would love to know more about how practical or impractical peddle drives are for that kind of water.

[@zarcher100]

Totally agree with your stability rating. Great video!

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks Zach.

[@scottquesada4697]

Have the 120 version I bought in December and you are spot on with most points. At 6,1 300lbs and old , I feel stable in it but took some understanding at what point secondary stability kicks in. Went with aftermarket seat risers and that corrected the peddle comfort. Transducer is mounted using after market scupper mount and has been excellent. Many affordable aftermarket products for it. Lots of storage.

[@XploreAz]

There is no 120 version of this. This is a completely different kayak from the 106/120.

[@DoubleBogeyBass]

I'm glad you explained the stability difference on the BigWater because I saw a video of a guy that just reached for his paddle that came unclipped and he flipped his BigWater. As an owner of the Sportsman PDL 120 I just couldn't see how he did that because the stability in my Kayak is unreal, I did a test with mine in a pool and I had to basically force it to tip.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

It’s all about understanding the stability and limitations of your model of kayak.

[@HuyFishin]

loved this video since I just got my bigwater! haha

[@yak_angler_dan3147]

Ive got many many hours in the Predator series (Pre-Bigwater). Super comfortable. I'm a heavy dude, and as long as you keep your upper body from leaning outside the cockpit, you'll be fine. If like he said in the video you reach out, you may get wet real quick. I will also note to adjust the peddle angle comfort, you should also adjust the angle of the back of your seat. If you're sitting straight it'll feel knee to chest, adjust it back and it'll give you more gap between, and a more natural feel. But my first time, I felt exactly the same! 😂 Nice review guys!

[@Nick-mc2hy]

96 lbs Boat 21 lbs PDL drive. Love that your testing out different yaks! I will say anytime I see some type of rep giving his take on a boat I’m skeptical. I own the Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 and this overview seemed genuine. 👍 That under seat storage system allows for so much you can practically leave the crate behind. Plus the quality of these boats are top notch. Excellent lineup!

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks Nick. I will get better at these as I go and find out what you all want to know. Ideally I want to have the boat for a few weeks to truly test it, but Old Town is so back ordered right now I took the opportunity when I had it.

[@Nick-mc2hy]

@TX Gold Bull smooth and very responsive. After one or two rotations you will start moving in either direction. I also like how it’s built to pedal in a circular motion. Definitely no complaints about the drive.

[@TackleFishingAdventures]

Great Review and you hit the mark with the rating 👍👍👍

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks. I’m hoping to dial it in even more

[@lukejohnston8770]

Don't forget the littler brother, the 120 PDL. Picked one up earlier this year and love it!

[@jameseason9949]

Bought this boat because most of my time is spent in the bays around the sound and having to cross the ICW with large boat wakes. I've been satisfied so far. Interesting to see Anthony take it skinny. I wouldn't have thought it would do as well there. I love the things I see and hear about the Bonafides, but haven't seen much about that hull in salty conditions. Are such videos out here? Thanks for your time and input on all the equipment!

[@TheBadTrad]

I’d love to see a review on the Mirage Outback, and its comparability with shallow river use as well as lake/ocean. Most people are reviewing the Pro Angler nowadays, which is priced out of reach for most weekend warriors.

[@relentlessobsession9705]

Just ordered mine today looking forward to owning one of these to enjoy and compete with. Thanks for the video. What’s best / most common battery set up for this boat ?

[@darkside2329]

Really thorough and thoughtful review Chad - nice work! Here are a few additional considerations for anyone thinking about picking up this yak. I've owned this boat for a little over a year. I too wish there was a rear hatch by the rudder - you cant see it in the video but there is already a pre-fab spot for it, not at all sure why it was not added. Keep replacement props on hand for when you break a blade (bonus - one will fit inside the pedal storage pod! along with gloves, glasses, hats, prop wrench etc - so much room!) . You can fairly easily lay your rods down horizontal when you're fishing around trees (especially on windy days) but I'm still jelly of my sisters Hobie PA12 horizontal storage. I swapped out the flimsy plastic rudder for a powder coated aluminum from Navarre (highly recommend). I agree about the front plates by the pedal - not sure why they didn't just add the trac mount there, but hey, it's a quick 3d print to replace or buy one from someone who already did it. The pedal drive is efficient, boat is fast and as maneuverable as you could want outside of a PA 360. As for transportability, I hauled mine in the back of my Tacoma for the first year and really didn't have any trouble with it by myself. I will say that with the pedal drive in the boat, getting it up into the truck with the V shape hull can get humorous if you're on a steep launch! A year into it and I'm very comfortable standing in the boat now. I agree with Chad about secondary stability - you have to train yourself that you're not going to go swimming with every wave - watch out for those submerged logs though!! Enjoy!!

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks. I appreciate the thorough feedback

[@toddsegravesfishingandfitness]

I’d agree with everything you said. I love my Bigwater (especially since I won it in a raffle). I would say transportability isn’t it’s strongest suit. Trying to drag it or even lift it with the deep hull causes it to want to tip to the side. Otherwise, it’s a super fast and fun boat. And Navarre and Yak Hobby makes lots of after market accessories, including seat risers.

[@jefferybarron929]

I've heard and seen references to there being a transducer install on the bottom of the boat. In the front, next to the cargo hold, a scupper hole thru to the keel where there's a recess just for that purpose. The small cargo box topside is large enough for a small Li-ion battery to power the unit.

[@dougp8345]

As far as stability, you should have 2 ratings: 1) sit down, leaning, dealing with wakes from big boats/waves, and casting/hook sets and 2) standing stability with the same stuff as 1. You can always take one of my yaks out to review. Great vid!

[@shred5]

I just demo'd one of these and was amazed how quick and nimble it is! I expected it to be much more rickety than it was too, it actually behaved better than most kayaks in that regards (just not the 120 which is all around crazy stable). Wanted an open hull like a Pro Angler or Knarr, but probably going with the Bigwater for the performance.

[@mikeylikesit1831]

I've been waiting for this series. I can't wait till I see the kayak for me. I don't think the bigwater is the one. But I am interested in the pedal drives.

[@annec1005]

Great video I've had a predator pdl since 2019 found it interesting that one of my favorite parts about my kayak is the one of the things that you didn't like I really think it's an understanding of how it actually works being the small pads in the front you can drill into those you can modify them I have rails on both of my front pads I put my roto grip on one for my net and I have my fish finder on the other one with just the right angle the pedals never hit it transducer Mount was purchased through navari kayak fishing and it works awesome with side scan through that center scupper underneath the pedal drive the reason I like those small pads is if I ever decide I want to change it I can get another pad and start over instead of having holes in my kayak where I mounted rails etc likewise the two pads on the sides although now with the new upgrade to 2021 they come with built-in rails you can still get those blank and drill your own holes to mount any which way you want you mess it up you can buy a new one you still don't have holes in your kayak awesome idea again navari kayak fishing has come up with a few slight modifications one that would solve your seat issue which is a seat riser he has a really great video on how they came up with that product and it's very inexpensive and works great I'm 5'2 so I am much shorter than you are and I have found an advantage in raising the back of the seat as you mentioned in your video was needed to be done navari's seat riser is the perfect solution just thought I would share a few of my thoughts absolutely love my predator PDL and probably will buy the next generation at some point looking forward to the next video thanks for all you do

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks LouAnne and I appreciate the detailed feedback. I’m going to have to check out this Navarre fishing upgrade so that I can speak to it properly for the future.

[@annec1005]

@@ChadHooverFishing Nick's videos are really helpful regarding the old town line up, he is great at problem solving and modifying kayaks for the specific owners needs, if anyone can, he can. would love to see you two get together for a video sometime 🙂

[@bigwater_outdoors]

Ppl have already addressed the transducer mount under the hull. In regards to the track plates those are meant for you to drill your Scotty mounts into instead of the yak itself also if you mess up you can buy replacement plates for cheap

[@JoshuaBFishing]

I love mine, although I have the Predator PDL version. Pretty much the same kayak. Keep up the good work Chad, your a hair away from 100k subs. 3 out of 5 for stability is dead on. Early on I've gone over on it, not having been experienced with it's limits. Since then I've never had an issue. And I'm 250lbs 6'1". Other platforms absolutely exceed in primary stability. As for seat height, check out Navarre, they have some seat risers. I've got mine completely decked out. I run my transducer wire into the front hatch compartment with a wilderness systems thru hull kit. I have to give it a 5 because if you are going that advanced with a rig out, then getting the extra things like through hull kits are a given. I even have a mega 360 on mine and will have a mega live when it comes out next decade. As for performance, I can run it at about 4mph almost indefinitely while completely loaded. If you need to get where you are going, it's solid. However, it has turning issues. With the wind blowing and you trying to hold a spot, It will turn opposite of how you want. However, I recently placed 2nd in a KATS tournament on a lake with 20mph winds and 30mph gusts by fishing mid lake. It takes big waves like a champ. But, the PDL is not friendly with grass, so I give it a 3. Affordability I give it a 5 cause I can afford it. :D As for transport, I transported this kayak on top of an SUV before I got a truck. It's not easy to do that. I don't recommend top loading this kayak. 3 out of 5 for transport. All my ratings are after a year of owning the Predator PDL.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks brother. I wish I had known about the Navarre seat riser before the video so that I could have mentioned that but I will definitely bring that up in my updated video when I get one of these bad boys for myself

[@davesch1512]

Great video Chad!! Could you do a review on the recon 120

[@ChadHooverFishing]

I’m trying to locate one of those to purchase, borrow or collaborate on as we speak. Thanks for the suggestion Dave.

[@darkside2329]

I own this boat. I'm 6'3 and 230. I bought the seat risers from Navare and it made it more comfortable but that said, I fish all day long and never get off the water feeling fatigued due to configuration of seat to pedals. Not sure I understand the comments/concerns about transducers. There is a prefab transducer mount under the boat ready to go. My hummingbird helix side scan mounted right up. I did have to drill a couple holes to run cables as neatly and cleanly as my OCD brain required but there was no extra work required to rig up the transducer itself.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

It didn’t appear as though it would fit a Lowrance 3-in-1 transducer when I tried it on that boat. But then I could be wrong. I also didn’t like how the area where it mounted seem to generate a lot of turbulence when being pedaled so therefore it would interfere with there being a great signal for sidescan when the boat was in motion.

[@aarongreenlee7867]

@@ChadHooverFishing I have a 2020 Predator PDL. The Lowrance 3 in 1 transducer does fit. I flipped the vertical part of the mount upside down to keep the transducer as high as possible. I do not get any interference and side scan works great. I will second all of the comments about Navarre Kayak. Nick turns out some first rate aftermarket parts for the Old Town yaks, including transducer specific mounting adapters to the Old Town transducer mounting plate. I own several of his parts. Sunday I had my first club tournament and drew 7th. Within 10 minutes I was the lead boat off the launch. In full tournament rig, I can average 4.3 - 4.5 mph. I have one of the "fastest" yaks in the club.

[@mikefurness1598]

Hey Chad good review overall. I have a 2018 Predator PDL that I've had since it was new so I have three years on it right now. I've fished heavy ocean water heavy Lake water come back Waters and never felt unsafe I'm 5 foot 9 230 lb and 72 years old. I'm chomping at the bit to get another one and sell this one not because this one is bad just because there's a couple of features on the new ones that I like and I just felt it I wanted to have a new boat. But I'm going to stay with The Predator p d l or the Sportsman big water as it's now called. I love the boat it's heavy but it fits in the back of my truck with a Bed Extender and is very very flushable regardless whether I'm in open-ocean saltwater Harbor Big Lake small Lake Backwater. I've only had it on a river once during a kbf tournament. So I can't speak for a lot of river activity. I think the different both might be better for that. But for everything I do it's the perfect boat for me. And just for reference this is the seventh kayak that I have owned. So I have a little bit of experience even though it's been late in life.

[@mikefurness1598]

Just an update. I did just recently receive my new 2022 Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 PDL! I've been out in it twice and so far am very satisfied. It IS a better boat than my older 2018 in many ways while still being the responsive and stable boat that I am used to. Transducer issue that Chad spoke about is not as "wonky" as he made it out to be. No extra parts are needed beyond what comes with a Humminbird Helix 7 fish finder. The mount location under the hull is perfect for the side imaging that I use a lot. There is a bracket there that is made to mount the 'ducer' solidly and much better than the old way I had to do with the 2018 Predator PDL. I'm not sure if the kayak Chad was using was the 2021 or 2022 but I think both boats have the 'ducer' mount that I have on mine. It sure is an improvement and simple to install.

[@matthewhenry8739]

This is my favorite kayak out for sure. Price, performance, durability, can't beat it.

[@greg6162]

Is this the same as the Old Town Salty PDL?

[@wvufan0524]

I just got a PDL 106 and don’t have any issues with stability. Granted I’m 175lbs so not as big of a deal. I did put some 2” seat risers on mine for more comfort. Made a world of difference. Love the number of tracks this one comes with. I would like more track on mine for sure.

[@shred5]

I gather the 106 and 120 is the old Topwater, and the 132 is the old Predator. So basically you get the 106 or 120 if you want stability and the 132 if you want speed.

[@wvufan0524]

@@shred5 I have the Sportsman model of the 106 PDL. Honestly I got the 106 because it was what was available immediately vs waiting until who knows when another would be ready. So far I am pleased overall. Even had it out in saltwater today with decent wind. Still quite stable and was even standing while fishing at times.

[@nickp8373]

Love mine

[@PeakeFishing]

Chad, some of your ratings are spot on but some are a little off. This is coming from someone who has owned this exact BigWater for 12 months now, with over 500 hours spent fishing in it in ALL kinds of water, from shallow creeks and ponds to the Chesapeake Bay, to the Ocean and big lakes, to busy rivers. Stability in this is closer to a 4 than a 3. You just need to sit in it a couple times to get your balance. You should do a seated stability and a standing stability. Standing stability on this is a 3 but the seated stability is a solid 4-4.5. I’ve been in huge boat traffic and never felt close to tipping in 3 foot wakes. Transportability is a 4 not a 5. Every kayak is only as transportable as the amount of gear you carry, and this kayak holds a lot of gear. Most folks are transporting this with some gear in it and that pushes it over the 125lb mark. It’s the heaviest in the Sportsman PDL lineup. I truck bed mine and it fits perfect though so it is very transportable, just not a 5. Comfort is a 4 or 5, depending on the person. I’ve been it in for 15 hours in one day before and was totally fine. Rigging is a solid 5. It could always use more but so could almost every kayak. Value is unbeatable, especially with the warranty and Old Town’s customer service. You definitely need to mention that. I’m not biased; there is definitely stuff I would adjust or change (like adding that rear hatch, or including thru-hull for electronics pre-drilled). The transducer situation is actually very well done on this as it includes a mounting location underneath already, and there are many custom options as well. Anyway, those are my thoughts. It’s a great kayak for tall people. I have extremely long legs and back issues and I’m fine in this. It’s very fast and the PDL is the most efficient peddle drive system on the market, with instant reverse. It’s stable in any water conditions with an unbeatable warranty. And you can have all the gear you need on board to fish to your heart’s desire. It’s the best kayak value you can buy under $3,000 in my opinion.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks for the comprehensive feedback and I agree with your assessment for you and I actually stated that in many of my ratings that it was based on me and my preferences. The comfort thing could easily go up to a four or even five with the one issue that I address, again, for me. But, I will stand my ground on the stability rating, again, I clearly stated they did a great job of finding balance for stability and performance but based on a combination of initial stability and secondary stability, this boat isn’t a 4. Once you see other boat reviews that I do you will see that I’m not being unfair in this rating but there aren’t many (if any) that make it to 5 and a 4 is reserved for those that have stability where you really don’t even have to think about it. Thanks for the thorough response and I truly appreciate it because this whole process is designed to generate these types of discussions so that people who are interested in the kayaks can get more information, including feedback like yours from someone that has much more seat time in it that I do.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Also, thanks for pointing out the stability for sitting and standing. That’s actually what I use for the rating, I will make that more clear in future videos.

[@claytonoffutt5435]

Where can a man get one those bags you got in the front hatch for your battery? Looking to upgrade to the sportsman pdl 120 in the near future.

[@A-aronTrekn]

Hey Chad great video as always. Just a thought from my past experience with owning a pedal kayak, parts availability as a rating. I wanted a spare prop for my drive just in case of emergency, only to find out it was not available. I know Old Town does not have this problem! Not trying to dis any one company but I feel it is important. I hope I wasn't out of line putting up this comment. If so, my apologies I have much respect for all you do and have done for kayak fishing.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

That’s a good point. I will Add that as a consideration, especially since lots of companies are having that issue right now.

[@hardknoxs]

This review helped me a ton, especially cause im 6’2” 280lbs too!!! 😁 Would love to hear your opinion on the Native Titan Propel 13.5. Thanks

[@giovannim5101]

I am 6 feet 295 all the kayaks I tried except the Hobie, I purchased the Native Titan 12 very very stable the draw back is a little heavy . And I did have a Bonafide ss127 and that is a very GOOD kayak.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks hardknoxs, I’m planning on doing the Native Titan Propel 13.5 this year as soon as I can get one or work out a deal with someone who has one to do the review

[@PeakeFishing]

Get the BigWater. It’s amazing for big people. I don’t think Chad had enough time in this boat. I’m 6’5” 250 and I’ve spent 14 hours straight in this kayak and was perfectly comfortable. There are also super easy seat risers you can get for the seat if you ever want it taller. I’ve had this for a year and have over 500 hours in it. Highly recommended for people over 6’.

[@jedediyahaaronyisrael7118]

Please, please and please, can you please tell me about the trailer used in towing the Kayak?

[@bobschlotterfishing2678]

Love the review... Can you possibly do one on the Old Town Sportsman 10.5, Or whatever the small PDL one is. I fish small creeks, ponds and some 50 ish acre lakes. had 2 back surgeries cant lift big ones. Can only find them on line so no chance to try one out or even see it in person before spending 2k to buy it.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Yessir, as soon as I can run one down

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@TexasDigitalOutdoors]

Agreed. I need to include stuff like that in my content.

[@donnieanderson2682]

For the transducer, get a bracket from Navarre if you don't have a Lowrance and it works great. Out of the box it only supports Lowrance since they are the same company as Oldtown. As for tracking, get the rudder and steering mods from Navarre and it works awesome. Better hull design and stability than Hobie. In 3ft chop it's very stable and takes in very little water. The only knock is the prop gets caught up in weeds. A Hobie works better in weeds. Other than that the Oldtown is a better overall Yak especially considering the price difference from a Hobie. Someone asked about batteries and I fit a dakota 10AH lithium in the front hatch bag no prob and it'll run my large Garmin fishfinder all day.

[@TexasDigitalOutdoors]

That's what its all about - that's why we do this.

[@Peter-zg3em]

what you're talking about is initial vs secondary stability. the flat bottom or pontoon style boats will feel stable until they are not stable. the more traditional kayak hulls with some measure of chine will feel unstable when they are not. you might even fall out of the boat before you tip it over. ultimately the boat with secondary stability is more seaworthy. low center of gravity, more boat under the water, chine which lengthens the effective part of the hull in the water. it's chop and following or quartering waves which take us off course or tip us over and it is secondary stability which counters all of it! guided in touring kayaks for six or seven years. saw the hulls change from traditional touring shapes to user friendly flat bottoms with channels. the performance went way down but i went from having to rescue one person per tour to one person every five or ten tours. i promise you if you actually worked on tipping that boat over you'd be shocked at how stable it is. you just won't be in a standing / fishing position. you'll go over

[@chuck8228]

Hey which kayak can you get that want flip right over? I'm thinking the bonafide kayake you have? That's the one I want

[@ChadHooverFishing]

The SS127 is one of the best all around values and combination of stability, comfort and performance.

[@krishogan9709]

I'm interested in getting started kayak fishing. I've been watching a lot of videos and doing a lot of research but in still running into the same question 🤔what is the best kayak to buy for me I'm 6'3" 290lbs... what would you recommend me look into

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Kris, There are too many other variables to consider other than your height and weight to get you in the right boat. Most premium kayaks these days will be adequate for that. The bigger questions are how will you transport it, where will you fish, how long will you fish, how much water do you intend to cover, what type of propulsion do you want (paddle, pedal or power)

[@krishogan9709]

@@ChadHooverFishing thank you for your feedback. I have considered all those other things as well and was mostly worried about stability because of my size...I'm going to make a decision soon I think and get on the water and get fishing 🎣

[@Crussman499]

My Nucanoe Unlimited was also delayed. The plastic shortage is no joke.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

I’m still waiting on a NiCanoe Unlimited as well. Looking forward to that boat

[@Crussman499]

@@ChadHooverFishing it'll be awesome. My question is how they made such a big kayak but under 90 lbs.

[@ethanmacheras5967]

I keep going back and forth from getting an old town or a bonafide, it's hard to choose

[@fabfishing7422]

I don't even fish in a kayak but these videos always ROCK! 💪

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks FAB, i appreciate that even more

[@fabfishing7422]

@@ChadHooverFishing absolutely my Brother 👊

[@kevinbarton4012]

Chad, you gave a 3 for the stability. What rating would you give the Bonafide P127 compared to the old town?

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Right around the same thing, maybe a 3.5 because of the catamaran hull design

[@eddielikesfishing]

Nick Lytle at Navarre Kayak Fishing makes a lot of aftermarket parts for the OT Sportsman BigWater PDL/Predator PDL. He makes seat risers, floating propeller nuts, larger steering knob, drive spacers, aluminum rudders, just to name a few. Check him out if you have one of these boats. I get nothing out of this, I'm just trying to help the kayak community.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks for sharing and that’s good to know.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

navarrekayakfishing.com/shop/old-town-seat-risers/

[@davidmiller9363]

I've been in a Topwater PDL for 2 years. I have a TON of time in it and I absolutely love it! I use the Switchblade for my Tripleshot transducer, although a smaller transducer fits very well in the recessed area in front of the pedal drive. I have the older version of this boat and my cockpit seems a little deeper than current versions but it is the same general boat. Easier to peddle, easier to deploy the peddles and it is more comfortable to me than the 4 other peddle drive kayaks that I tried. It is nothing for me to put in 6-8 miles a day and still get plenty of time to fish.

[@CoachWoodwardoutdoors]

Let’s see y’all review the Native Titan! It’s around the same price. What’s the weight on that thing because my Titan is heavy!!!

[@jasonc3522]

I think he said around 75 pounds, it was in the first couple of minutes. How much does your titan weigh? My Bonafide is about 80 pounds empty, but I don't mind because I could dance a jig on that thing if I knew how to dance.

[@JoshuaBFishing]

It weighs closer to 90lbs completely unloaded without the drive, and just over 100lbs with the drive, completely unloaded.

[@czellner5894]

@@JoshuaBFishing When Chad said 75 lbs bare hull, my first thought was "No way!" Old Town makes great yaks but they also make sturdy boats and that means weight to a large degree. I was also surprised when they both implied a lack of stability.

[@JoshuaBFishing]

@@czellner5894 You can easily go over in a bigwater/predator pdl. You can also easily not go over. If you ever stand up in one you will know exactly what they mean.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks Josh. That’s the point of the rating system is to remind and create a realistic expectation of stability and not sugar coat it. There probably will only be a kayak or two that get a 5 for stability.

[@Flynfish]

My question is about kayak manufacturers in general. This kayak has the rudder steering on the left side only by what I could tell in the video. Why do most companies do a left hand only rudder option? Without modifying most kayaks this is frustrating for me that wants to keep the fishing rod in my left hand and steer with the right hand. Is there more fishermen/women who cast with the right hand? Seems like when shopping for baitcasting reels that most availability are right hand retrieve. I'm just trying to make sense of this trend in kayaks compared to reels. Thanks for any input.

[@darkside2329]

It's a fair question. Hobie PA's have rudder on both sides - not sure most people want to pay the premium price for that though ;)

[@Flynfish]

@@darkside2329 Both sides is more about the engineering to have the cables work properly and not interfere with other aspects of kayak. Maybe an option to install on either side would be easier. Run two tubes on both sides. Could even help integrate a foot steering system if they didn't want to peddle. I use a trolling motor on the back of my Feelfree Lure that has replaced the rudder on the back. I can put the rudder back on, but I prefer the trolling motor.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

It’s a price point thing for most. I think that Hobie does the best job by including both, others are making a decision to go with the “most common” Side and saving money on not doing two handles, two rigging setups and the labor associated with that.

[@Flynfish]

@@ChadHooverFishing thanks for the reply. I understand the cost. I guess my mind can’t fathom that left hand retrieve is more common than left hand retrieve. To me, I think that would determine the more common steering. I’m a bitter lefty!

[@3brosthatsk8]

What fish Finder did he have here

[@owenzmortgage8273]

More rod reel line review please

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks! Will do

[@RandySavages]

Would love to see a review on the vibe shearwater 125!

[@rippinglipstexas5944]

Hey Chad, I'm a first time kayaker and I'm wondering about how to deal with boat wakes and waves. I don't want to flip over

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Try to avoid them first and foremost. But the best way to deal with them is to hit them head on instead of quartering or broadside.

[@rippinglipstexas5944]

@@ChadHooverFishing thank you, very useful info

[@davidmiller9363]

After hundreds of hours in my Topwater PDL, I am not afraid of boat wake or winds up to 25 mph (just haven't had any stronger winds while I'm out). I can literally face the boat into the wind and fish a shoreline with a spinnerbait like I had SpotLock! I get comments from boaters all of the time! I will actually put in near marinas during the summer time as the waves stir up plankton that wake up baitfish and bring on the predators!

[@dougp8345]

My lady and I took our 3waters big fish 120's out on a lake last year early in the morning. Come about 10 am wind picked up and white capping about 10 inches plus and then the big boats came. Pontoons, leisure, bass. We were prepared for the worst, everything tied down and life jackets. At first we ran the wakes head on, then took them on broad side. ABSOLUTELY NO ISSUES, just rocked us like a baby in a cradle.. Note: idling wakes AND full speed wakes from all boats. I stopped worrying about capsizing all together. My yak is tri hulled, FYI.

[@rippinglipstexas5944]

@@dougp8345 thanks! That's a big help

[@robbiejohnson3698]

I bought this kayak 132 I didn’t reach I was sitting and the kayak flipped lost $1200 in rods sold it two days bought a P127 Bonafide Aliex has a video out and said the seat was to high a design flaw oh yeah I have kayak fishing for the last 16 years never flipped

[@curlylarrymoe]

I would have bought a Old Town Sportsman 120pdl a year ago if I could find one close to me.

[@shred5]

I bought myself a Bonafide SS127 and my youngest son an Old Town Topwater 120. The Topwater is a bit cheaper, and almost as hard to flip, but it rocks less on choppy water. There's a few things I like about the Bonafide better, but on a budget, the Old Town Topwater is pretty solid and comes pretty well equipped as well.

[@gregdilley3490]

Bonafide all the way sorry that’s the way I feel. I need mine Luther 😂👍

[@biblebeltbeauties8874]

I cant decide between a Native or a hobie

[@ChadHooverFishing]

What’s the factors that you are trying to decide between?

[@biblebeltbeauties8874]

@@ChadHooverFishing weight Speed and stability

[@chrislowrance7277]

All this room I could pack a lot of sammiches lol

[@jddarby007]

Review the Autopilots please....

[@ChadHooverFishing]

The Autopilot review is being edited as we speak

[@GoodRedBlackRatio]

I am disappointed that this video did not show how it performs in the water, which seems important for a kayak review : (

[@ChadHooverFishing]

That’s sounds good in theory, but it’s not really relevant to “show” how something performs. It performs differently in different conditions, on different bodies of water and with different anglers and different load outs. I’ve already stated in other review videos since this one that I will be doing a FULL DAY ON THE WATER, with video from that for all kayak reviews in the future. It will be Part 1. Initial Overview and Thoughts 2. Full Day on The Water with Feedback 3. Final Overview, Rating and Rigging Suggestions

[@Dogatemyhomework927]

Is he any relation to Babe Winkleman?

[@ChadHooverFishing]

No, and he said to remind everyone that his name isn’t even spelled the same.

[@damkayaker]

Kayaks should be able to be put on racks on top of vehicles. If it has to be transported on a trailer than it's becoming something other than a kayak. That is an ugly ass barge. 11:10 that's ridiculous the thing is so heavy it has to be moved on wheels. I have a feeling this is Chinese made crap.

[@hokifan1]

Usa made

[@michaelknapp3702]

WTF...! The first words out of his mouth are “I’m new to this!” WTF...Nice review anyway however.❤

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Huh? And why did you double WTF me? 😂😂😂

[@stormyoutdoors4845]

Jerk 😂

[@damkayaker]

It's not a kayak.

[@scottquesada4697]

Have the 120 version I bought in December and you are spot on with most points. At 6,1 300lbs and old , I feel stable in it but took some understanding at what point secondary stability kicks in. Went with aftermarket seat risers and that corrected the peddle comfort. Transducer is mounted using after market scupper mount and has been excellent. Many affordable aftermarket products for it. Lots of storage.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks Scott. I’m just learning about some of these aftermarket modification options, but that doesn’t change the review of the boat itself because that’s based on the boat as you buy it. I love this feedback though because I can do updated videos to compliment these videos that allow people to make a more informed decision. Thanks again.

[@scottquesada4697]

@@ChadHooverFishing looking forward to many more boat reviews! Your ratings were fair and accurate! Thank you!