First Impressions on the water - Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 ePDL+

Well, here our my first thoughts on the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 ePDL. Just so we are clear - I purchased both of the ePDL's from Old Town.
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[@NavarreKayakFishing]

What are your concerns about the ePDL+?

[@BrutalSametal]

Not as much of a concern, but would this type of "motor" make this kayak have to be registered in most states?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It does. In Florida anything other than human powered has to be registered.

[@CrazyCranker]

Nick, thanks for making the video's, it's a pretty slick kayak. I agree also about the price, by now it is Irrelevant as the person buying could obviously afford it. I think one of my concerns and the one you mentioned in the video is how durable is the motor, if you do hit something underwater? I doubt accidental damage is covered under the warranty. Wonder what the cost and turn around will be to repair?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

@CrazyCranker those are all great questions. The price point is a tough topic to touch on. They make kayaks at all prices now but we are approaching boat range at this point. But that’s a completely different topic.

[@928johnralph]

If you were to buy a hobie or an old town pdl and add a mount, a motor and battery, you wouldn’t be far off from this price and this system is already integrated, includes a battery and is ready to go. The other motorized old towns are cheaper, but you have to buy a battery and you can’t pedal them.

[@Nikitikitavvi]

There's one huge issue i see and it's the price. But we can wait 1-2 years and there will be much cheaper ePDL drives around

[@reelcoastal]

Love the reverse feature. Thanks for sharing ❤️🎣

[@neekopeeko9054]

Great review Nick. Thank you

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching.

[@CuseKayaker]

Hey Nick, I always look forward to seeing your awesome videos. Keep up the great work.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@Wirenutby]

Great video, can't wait for your upcoming reviews. I just ordered one in Steel Camo.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thats a good looking color!

[@barefootterry3785]

Cool demo! I have a Predator and a Salty. Love both of them. I appreciate your impressions on the new ePDL. I think it’s out of my price point for now, but nice to see an ePDL in operation. Can’t wait to see the fishing videos with it! Thank you!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I look forward to getting it on the water.

[@DetroitFishigan]

Definitely very cool kayak pedal drive. That going in instant reverse is really the only thing that would raise concern to me, But if you just give it a second then you are good, so it may just be more of mental adjustment in what we old town pdl users are used to, so may not be that big a deal to other new users. Good stuff nick by showing this to us with raw videos we all appreciate it Nick 💯🤝.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Agreed. Once the user gets use to it I don’t see it being a major problem.

[@RichardRodriguez-ke1vl]

I have an Auto Pilot 120. It cost 1.5k less. The AP has spot lock. For the $$ and for fishing I'll take the AP 120 anyday and everyday over the ePDL.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It would depend on where you fish. The Bigwater and the AP are built for two very different things.

[@Edward-st6fg]

I feel like my bigwater with the NK300 on the back is a much better setup for the money. I fish in the bays and ocean, so having 2 separate propulsion methods is preferred. And the speed at 7+ mph is amazing.

[@ViewSlayer]

Will this drive unit be available to upgrade older PDLs?

[@ichabod13]

With that prop disconnecting from the pedals when it's going, there has to be some type of transmission inside the drive. My concern would be how well did they make that part? You can see it reengage when you stopped the auto 5 and it clicks and the pedals start to spin from the prop still moving. I see it also as a troll to fish and troll to come home. In that case why not just get the normal PDL and mount a motor on the kayak. As long as the transmission part has fail safes and is built well, looks like a sweet kayak.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Ya, you may not be able to hear it in the video but you can hear the gear engage and disconnect in person.

[@jgonell]

Nick, so are you using a secondary battery for fish finder or piggyback off the battery using a DC/DC converter?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I had a 10AH battery sitting in the scupper hole in front of the drive.

[@928johnralph]

Nick, how would you compare to the autopilot and the MK106 if someone wanted to go this route and loves Old Town.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I think it has its place. I love the option to pedal when fishing but use the motor to travel or troll. You’ll spook less fish. It’s pricey though.

[@paulandresen8671]

I was worried the rear area wouldnt fit my 16 x 16 yak crate, It does, including the pole holders on both sides.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The rear area is huge!

[@TRaider66]

With the grinding noise while pedaling does that manual motion recharge the battery at all? If not, it should!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I don’t believe it does.

[@cobbs]

what advantage do you think this has over the newport or torqeedo or xi3 if any? Been thinking about getting a motor, but I'm leaning towards the xi3, which will also give me spotlock. Can you do a comparison video? thanks!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The only real advantage is see is weight and streamlined efficiency. It’s a bit lighter then a kayak with an xi3 on it and it’s all ready to go in a simple to use package.

[@julianpryer9041]

Just bought one. Do yall make an anchor wizard mount for these yet ?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Did you want it for the front or the rear?

[@peterbravo357]

Cost and the shorter drive warranty. Especially with the new technology. It will be great to chase Albies though!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Ya, lots of moving parts for the warranty to be two years. The cost to replace a broken drive looks like it’s about $3000.

[@BobBohner4851]

Do you feel like in cruise the lower speed is low enough to troll for walleye at 1-1.4 mph?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes, sir.

[@bigguyinalittleboat7927]

Does it have the same amount of legroom as the Bigwater? I’m 6’8” and have legroom in the BW, but just barely.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It does have the same amount of leg room as the Bigwater.

[@jeffmcvay266]

Motor & battery add significantly to weight?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It added just over 20 lbs. the ePDL weighs 143 fully rigged and the Bigwater 132 PDL weighs 120.

[@xRamZx]

That reverse hiccup, I didn't like the sound it made...however I don't see a need to go from motor power to instant reverse

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Ideally you’re not going from power to instant reverse but needing to stop isn’t something you have completely control over. Boat traffic, underwater obstruction. I just hate the destroy the drive trying to stop.

[@randycreason3399]

That noise is a big concern for me while actually fishing even without the motor. Is it louder without the motor on than the regular pdl? I know it's not fun, but I'm curious about what happens when you hit something on 5. I'm assuming what happens when you normally hit something going 4+ mph. I definitely wanna see a review after 40-50 trips.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The ePDL does pedal louder than the regular PDL. Man, I’m going to need a ton of likes, subscribers, and shares before I think it’s worth the 5MPH collision lol.

[@randycreason3399]

@@NavarreKayakFishing I'm doing my part on the liking and subscribing.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

@randycreason3399 hahah. I was just teasing.

[@CrazyCranker]

Out of curiosity, I sent OT that question on accidental damage and repair, the response they give me is a huge concern and I thought I would share what they said: short version of OT's email: They do not offer repairs on drives, but have some repair kits depending on the severity of damage. They also related: The drive is not yet available or being sold separate from the kayak so there is no pricing available at this time for just the drive. Man, that reply actually made me nervous and I don't even own it!-yikes!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Ya it’s a bit underwhelming in the support aspect.

[@AliexFolgueira]

if going in reverse does not stop it, just pull the kill switch, kills in a second

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Going in reverse stops it - you just have to wait until it shuts off to keep going in reverse. Not a big deal but things people need to know.

[@AliexFolgueira]

@@NavarreKayakFishing yeah there is 3 ways to stop it, reverse, kill switch, or just lift the drive, it should also stop if the prop dont move, but if it is just muddy it will keep going

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

The reverse is a little concerning because it does not sound good. I am sure OT has thoroughly tested it but with only a two year warranty I would be a little concerned...at least until they have been out a year or so and others have really put them through the paces. I think you could easily get used to the time and it's still better than reaching down and pulling the cord on a Hobie. LOL! I have an ebike and when I am in pedal assist (don't laugh, I have used it a time or two...but yes, I mostly just use it like a motorcycle/scooter. LOL!!) it stays in that "gear". When I stop pedaling the motor stops and I coast but when I start pedaling again it's right there in that gear. I don't think I like that every time I stop pedaling it goes to zero and then I have to reach down and hit the "gear" button again to choose an assist level. Nice overall design though since the kayak is a proven vessel and will have the familiarity of the OT lovers who already have one with pedals.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I’m sure they thoroughly tested it too but it’s still terrifying when you go to reverse.

[@Peter-zg3em]

whats the difference between the predator bigwater and the sportsman bigwater?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

A few years ago they changed the name from Predator to Bigwater and created a Sportsman line. End of the day the Predator is now the Sportsman Bigwater. Then you add PDL or ePDL. Terrible marketing job and still confuses most folks.

[@bo5258]

so when they drop this into 120 pdl hull what do you think the max speed could be ?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I think it will be just a bit slower due to the hull shape and surface area change.

[@tomearly111]

I do like the kayak and the ePDL unfortunately I do know the cost and that's pretty astronomical for a kayak unless you are a pro, tournament fisherman, or just have deep pockets.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I agree. It’s extremely pricey.

[@rafarafitaqueloque5001]

All my kayaks are hobies but motor noise is one reason why i got rid of my Feelfrees with the motorized pedal. After a few times on the water the noise was annoying. Not only that but it corroded bad. I had a chance to open one up to try to overhaul it and it was junk. Feelfree sent me a new one and once i got it i sold them all. My cousin bought a used OT 106 pdl and now his pedals are grinding. I contacted old town to see if we can get parts for it and they said they don’t sell it. He has to buy a whole pedal drive $1k. Hopefully this pedal drive system doesn’t corrode too.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

That FeelFree system is pretty terrifying to look at. I had my hands on it when it was first released.

[@dd214fishing]

Is it worth the $$$$$

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Man, that’s a question only the person purchasing it can answer. I think I would need to spend a few months fishing in it every day before I risk someone it was worth it. There’s nothing wrong with pedaling.

[@jeffarmstrong2920]

How much

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

That kayak was listed at $6,000 when the video was made.

[@aarontrotter5188]

Why would someone want this over auto pilot?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Everyone has different needs. For going offshore here this thing should do extremely well compared to the AP. The ability to pedal in fishing areas also spooks less fish. Instant reverse allows you to pull fish out of cover as well. Lots of things to consider.

[@joshlanham4885]

6 grand!That noise!No thanks !!!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I’m not arguing. It’s a big sketchy.

[@mikebrewz]

They really left out the current big water/ predator owners. Old town says this drive cant be retrofitted and they dont sell the drive separately. Shame

[@-a-strikelures1212]

Way too expensive for what it is

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Everything is expensive these days.

[@imperialwhovian3461]

​@@NavarreKayakFishingyeah but is it any better than getting a regular pedal drive and then getting whatever motor you want for it?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

@imperialwhovian3461 it’s a cleaner system but I can’t say it’s better. Everyone will want something slightly different.

[@imperialwhovian3461]

@@NavarreKayakFishing yep, as long ad it's dependable it's not a bad idea but unfortunately generally speaking making things more complex makes it more prone to malfunction but if it works it will be the new standard going forward