2020 Old Town Predator PDL - Walkthrough

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Here's a quick walk through of the 2020 Old Town Predator PDL.
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We will use the 2020 Old Town Predator PDL on all of the charters, eco-tours, and rentals come Spring of 2020!!!
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Our Story
Navarre Kayak Fishing started as Nick's Guide Service and has developed into memories, friendships, and opportunities.
We changed the name to Navarre Kayak Fishing to provide better service to our local area, while providing the same one on one experience.
Our Approach
At Navarre Kayak Fishing our approach is simple, catch fish! We strive to put customers on fish of a lifetime, regardless of species. From inshore to offshore our expectations are high and our work ethics even higher.
We provide quality gear and first hand experience, ensuring each client has everything needed to succeed.
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[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Who is planning to upgrade?

[@grafke073]

I am and I did! Great video nick!

[@mattwilkerson8432]

I’m considering the predator pdl or the big water 132. Do you have a big water yet? Looking for a good walk through video. Also if you have used the big water is it basically the same kayak and the predators getting phased out?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Matt, due to the (virus) closing of the shipping department I have not been able to get my hands on the new Big Water. However, the hull is the same. The seat has been changed and it comes with a tackle box. They transferred the Predator and Topwater lines into the new Sportsman line up. (They will phase them out) However, the only major change to those kayaks is the name. I’m sure they will release more colors later in the year for the Sportsman lineup. If you can fish a deal on a Predator you won’t be missing out!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

@@isenhouroutdoors8530 I think you need to do a bit more research. The rail system on the Predator existed long before the Topwater was a thought. The Predator PDL is the same kayak as the Sportsman Big Water 132 PDL. At nearly 36" wide the Predator is extremely stable and only weight 11 lbs more than the 12' Topwater/Sportsman. I'm not sure how you can come to the conclusion that the Sportsman models are much more stable. Every kayak in the Sportsman lineup with the exception of the three powered kayaks already existed... I have also paddled this kayak through the surf well over 100 times without any issues. I even have clients with zero experience paddle it without any issues.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Brandon, while you were researching kayaks I was fishing in them. Your first comment made it clear that you don’t know nearly as much as you think you do. I’m not going to waste my time pointing out what you’re missing. You’ve clearly got it all figured out...

[@briangullickson9013]

This was an excellent overview of the new 2020 Predator PDL.. thank you very much for your thoroughness of this review!! I’m excited to get one of these and glad I waited to get the new 2020 model!! I appreciate your videos!!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Brian Gullickson Thanks for watching, sir.

[@hbsteve001]

I know you did this video a year ago but I just saw it and wanted to say well done. One thing I appreciated was a review on this boat that didn't slam it for comparison to PA in skinny water, grass, etc. Seems like the VAST majority of peddle kayakers fish freshwater or skinny water salt only. I exclusively fish Pacific Ocean and beach launches, so the majority of negatives on this boat are not applicable. Clearly your depth of knowledge is solid for a young man with experience in multiple environments, including offshore. Just paid for and ordered a Bigwater 132 PDL in large part to your reviews. This will be my first pedal kayak in more than 30 years paddling SOTs. SUBSCRIBED!

[@thereelangle]

Our 13 year old son just purchased a used Old Towne Predator PDL. Thanks for these helpful videos. Helped with the decision. Thank you.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Jason.

[@rockygrindstaff7312]

Finally a real review on this kayak that shows me the things I was interested in seeing

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Rocky.

[@bobbyg6662]

I ordered one a few hours ago from my go to outdoor store. The sales man asked me when I wanted it, I said by the 12th cause of the pdl rebate with purchase of a pdl you get a hummingbird helix 5. SO HYPED!!!

[@lexwaldez]

This was a very well done review. Thanks man.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@liamgarvey33]

Great review and I especially appreciate your comparison to the older Predator models as I getting a new Predator PDL, although its an older model. It doesn't have the locking rudder control or the forward pointing rod holder. I don't expect the tracking to be bad without the lock? It has the older "stronger rudder" and since the hull is the same, I expect to get the same overall performance where I plan to use it, inshore/offshore, at the end of the known universe here in the far SW of Ireland. Our Seas here are rich in fish but the weather can change on a dime, so I wanted a Yak that can handle sudden chop and something like an Outback Bow lets in too much wash for my liking, so Predator PDL it is. The Covid BS situation means its difficult to get Yaks here now, so an old stock pre 2020, Predator is a good catch (I hope). We typically have Garmin gear here for FF'S, but I guess I can import a hummingbird to fit the older predator hull. I was wondering what hull accessories you reckon are best on the OT, however, I kinda like your approach in keeping the Yak uncluttered and minimalist. I am really looking forward to my first YAK and its an Old Town Predator PDL!

[@brianm.7551]

Old Town is on top of it! Hobie raised the price on all of their kayaks 2 weeks ago, I think old town will set themselves apart from the rest with the warranty and the price point. I'm glad that they changed the transducer scupper too, on the predator. Thanks for your time Nick!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Brian. In my opinion, Hobie knows they will make money off of the faithful crowd. I like the direction Old Town is headed!

[@fmlstewart]

Great review. I agree with most all your specific points on the changes. Not sure the deck padding is a plus since it is harder to clean. If people are worried about spooking fish dropping stuff on the deck. Don't drop stuff on the deck. I like the click seal. If you've ever gotten a hook caught in a bungey you know why there shouldn't be bungeys anywhere on the front of the kayak and while you were able to hook it up with one hand, that is a PITA, compared to the click seal. Good content!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks! Ya, I hate the bungees on the front lid. One of the first trips offshore in that kayak and I hooked a sabiki rig into it while catching bait.

[@Kickthelighter]

I absolutely love my hobie. But old Town is making prop driven look better and better

[@fisherkieds6282]

this might be my first kayak.....labor day sales coming up,I'm in trouble,this looks like a great yak

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It’s a great kayak. I recommend demoing a few before making your final decision.

[@garryknox1614]

This was an excellent review of the 2020 Predator PDL, thank you for your thoroughness. Did I notice that the rudder steering control lever is a knob style now, different from previous model? Do you find having the rudder steering only on one side of the kayak a nuisance? You could insert brass eyelets for drainage in the under seat pouch (buy eyelet kit from camping store) that would be a permanent non destructive fix for the problem. Thank you for your experience and advice. I live in Australia and am looking for a more affordable option to Hobie without compromising to poor quality, I feel this 2020 model may tick the right boxes?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Garry. The 2019 and newer models currently come with the upgraded steering control. Underneath the knob there’s an plastic knob you can tighten to increase tension on the rudder. (It stops the rudder from drifting left and right for better tracking). I have never had an issue with the steering only being on one side of the kayak. It’s not a high speed sport and it doesn’t take long the switch hands if you do need to turn quickly. Having fished from several Hobies we made the switch to find a more durable solution. The Old Town does a great job and is really well built.

[@mileskeith7685]

I am planning on upgrading to peddle drive I believe I have made the decision to the predator

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It's a quality kayak and the price point is fantastic!

[@blakelowe7165]

Do you have any recommendations on a transducer mount for a garmin on these tia

[@kenjepsen4579]

Love the video. I'm in the market now for something that can go almost anywhere like the Predator. How dry are the front hatches with waves breaking over the bow?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Ken, I’ve never had any issue with water getting in the hull. The hatches are amazing and we have water come over the front of the kayak while launching in the surf regularly.

[@kenjepsen4579]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Sweet. Thanks! Now if I can only FIND a 2020 near me! lol Thanks again... Love the channel. A LOT of great info!

[@toddredman4931]

Hey Nick, I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on two Predators, but I had a question on the size. My daughter and wife are both 5”2. Do you think that they will have any issues finding a comfortable pedaling position? Thanks again!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You can slide the seat all the way forward and they shouldn’t have a huge problem. You can also add a small block to the pedals if needed.

[@RubenPerez-ss8ni]

I just started watching your videos and it seems that you like OT kayak. Are they better than Hobie? I like your honest opinion. Thank you and God bless you.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Ruben, Hobie makes a great product. I prefer the Predator PDL for a variety of reasons based on the type of fishing I do. The instant reverse on the PDL helps us catch fish every single day. The kayaks are durable and the warranties are great. I always recommend you demo each version before purchasing and listen to the salesperson as little as possible. Form your own opinion and demo the kayak like you were fishing.

[@adphotomagic]

Great vids.... question I'm getting one of these kayaks I have a 7 foot truck bed to put it in ...is 5 foot hang over fine with kayaks... I don't have tow hitch.. I be just strapping it in.. thoughts? Thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Al, as long is 60% of the kayak is supported you won’t have any issues. If you leave the pedals in there will be plenty of weight in the bed of the truck to stop it from falling. Add two straps and you’re good to go.

[@blakelowe7165]

I have the 2017 so it doesn’t have a transducer mount already sorry I commented it before I watched the vid

[@mikearcher6239]

If a person put a side scan transducer is it protected enough when you pull the boat up on the bank?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Mike Archer the plastic drops down a bit to keep the area protected. I don’t imagine anyone will have any problems but a large rock/root does have chance of being higher then the surrounding area and could cause an issue if dropped.

[@matthewlaborde8483]

Nick, any idea if the new gear track plates will fit the old style?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I just went outside and double checked. The plates are the exact same size and I imagine you can call Old Town and order a set!

[@mre4875]

There are more and more videos of loyal Hobie users complaining about the constant increase in price. Hobie's ego may result in a loss of loyal consumers. Old Town seems to get it. Keep the plastic vessel affordable, instant reverse, great warranty etc...and you stay competitive in the market. I agree though, don't cater to a specific manufacturer like Hummingbird. Keep the design user flexible and compatible e.g. Scotty, RAM, and Yak Attack have. Great review btw.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for taking the time to watch, sir. It’s interesting to see the companies take different approaches.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes. Johnson Outdoors owns Minn-Kota, Old Town, Humminbird, and several other companies such as Ocean Kayak.

[@lagwalsh]

You've mentioned the rudder cable stretch a few times (prior to available turnbuckles). Is there a fix for this for this of us that have OT kayaks that are older?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes. There are a few options. You can remove the four machine screws that hold the rudder mount to the kayak and add nylon spacers between the kayak and the bracket. You will need to purchase longer stainless steel machine screws. You can also carefully snip the aluminum crimps and re-crimp the wire using new aluminum crimps.

[@lagwalsh]

@@NavarreKayakFishing thank you. I saw the video with the bolt replacement. And the one with the 3D printed prop. That rocks! Would love to see any other experiments you've tried with the prop.

[@HairlessSassquatch]

Is this kayak suitable for xtra-tall guys? I am 6’9” with a 36” inseam and weigh 340lbs.... looking to upgrade to a pedal kayak and this one is on the top of my list.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The tallest person I have put in the kayak was just over 6’6”. The heaviest person I have put in the kayak was around 340. (There have been a few without any issues) It’s a good kayak and I don’t see any issue with the weight. I would demo one to make sure you have enough leg room.

[@samlopes2615]

Hello Nick, what’s a good trolling motor for the old town sportsman pdl 106? Would it mount on the power pole bracket in rear? Thanks sam

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Sam, I don’t have much experience mounting trolling motors to kayaks. The power pole location does seem like a good location though.

[@samlopes2615]

@@NavarreKayakFishing thank you

[@dashermike3207]

I know this video is several months old but as of today, the best price I have found for this boat is $2,599. If you know of an outlet selling it for $2,400 I would appreciate it if you could post a link. Thanks and very informative video on this kayak!

[@dashermike3207]

correction......if you know where it can be bought for @2,500.....please advise

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I just did some research and you’re right. It looks like they have raised the prices recently. I wasn’t aware of the price change.

[@dashermike3207]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Thanks. Still beats similar Hobie model prices

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Very true. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@Brucey69]

I live in southern california. I've kayaked most of my life but never experienced a peddle drive fishing kayak. Would this kayak be a good choice for coastal/off shore fishing here in southern california?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It’s a great choice and it will serve you well.

[@Brucey69]

@@NavarreKayakFishing thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

@Brucey69 you’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@SS_Tek]

Do you know if the yak power box can fit inside the front hatch?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The front hatch is 10”x16” but oval shaped. The hull is at least 12” deep. The Yak Power Box says it’s 6”x9”x11”. It should fit.

[@fishingwithwes2118]

how's dragging it? does it do any significant damage to the bottom of the kayak?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

They have replaced skid plates on the rear. I drag them all over the place without any concerns.

[@joemartin6439]

Is the Town Towne Preditor PDL a better ocean kayak than the 120Sportsman?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes.

[@chrisdolin1859]

Go Syracuse..!!!!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Duke next week. Should be a good game!

[@JoeBurner1720]

Is there a difference between the sportsman big water pdl 132 and the predator? They look extremely similar

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Tim, overall it’s the same kayak. If possible I would purchase a Predator. It’s a better bang for the buck in my opinion. The BigWater no longer comes with scupper plugs and the seat doesn’t have a bag on the back of it. I should make a video and go into greater detail.

[@luisvillarreal5361]

Does water still come up the drive from the bottom when your at speed?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Luis, I have never had that happen. Is something wrong with the seal?

[@bobbyg6662]

I just seen another review of the new predators and with out trying he got it up to 5 mph and no water came up from the drive

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Bobby G Good to know!

[@starhawk74]

i weigh 265 and im looking for a sea kayak for offshore in the tongass alaska which kayak do you recomend sir? please help

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Scott, I’m a big fan of the Predator PDL also referred to as the Sportsman BigWater PDL now. We have our ton of people over 265 in them with out any issues. They have served us well over the years and here’s a look at how I rig it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWHGopeLaLKCnMk

[@joethebuilder2480]

I have a 10’Native slayer propel,is this there a night and day difference in speed compared to this?Do you rent these?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Joe, we do rent out the Old Town Predator PDL’s. Currently we still have the 2019’s as rentals and won’t switch over to the 2019’s until after January. In my opinion there’s a large difference. I fished from a 10’ and 13’ Native Slayer Propel for a few months years ago. The platform has a few issues I didn’t like: The rudder is level with the bottom of the kayak and it stops it from turning well. The 10’ always wanted to spin around on itself. (The pedal system is the only part in the water to catch any current. That caused it to spin and point down current when I stood up) I also didn’t like how the seat adjusted. The brass inserts on the rail instantly corroded and sliding the seat became challenging. I would enjoy fishing from a newer model if I had the chance. I would like to see the improvements that they have made.

[@joethebuilder2480]

I’ll probably try it out in the future when you get them. I like being able to fish in a kayak for a good day before I buy something. I tried my friends Hobie outback and when I was thinking about changing to that platform but I did not like having to pull the lever to go in reverse and I heard that the predator is just as fast as the Outback but with instant reverse.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Joe the Builder I tell people all of the time that a ten minute demo isn’t going to tell you anything about a kayak.

[@build.drive.fish.]

Curious if the drive can be used on older Predators PDLs.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I just went out and tested it. It's the same exact system with a different hatch. Fits perfect.

[@build.drive.fish.]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Nice, I love to have that storage. I used a small Plano box for my keys and stuff and that would be a perfect area. I wont dare use the round hatch. Always full of water

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

@@build.drive.fish. Ya, I don't use that round hatch at all.

[@brianm.7551]

@@build.drive.fish. I put a seal on my hatch and it never leaks, I have filled the cockpit several times on a surf launch and it stays dry.

[@build.drive.fish.]

@@brianm.7551 What type of seal did you happen to use?

[@ericmurphy1561]

Is this kayak as stable as a hobie PA14?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The Predator PDL is very stable. It’s tough to compare it to a PA14 because the hull design is different. The PA14 it shapes more like a Pontoon and the Predator is shaped more like an Outback. We stand and fish in it every day without issues.

[@airesolypesca8552]

is this kayak good for the ocean?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

We use it in the Gulf of Mexico all summer. It’s a great kayak.

[@tjtewshews5531]

Is the max transducer size 9"?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Without going outside and measuring, yes.

[@tjtewshews5531]

@@NavarreKayakFishing I called Old Town and couldn't get an answer on if the helix 9 mega si + transducers will fit on the sportsman 120 pdl's. They wouldn't give me dimensions on that area of the kayak either. I called hummingbird, waited on hold for over an hour and was told that transducer is 2.22" wide and 8.399" long. So these things should fit, right?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It does fit. We’ve had tons of people buy adapters for it and I installed it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j17CoJKClq9nr7M

[@tjtewshews5531]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Awesome! Thanks man!

[@chuckmatses6803]

When in the world is Old Town going to make their biggest seller ever? They need a 10.5’ Predator.

[@LeftLaneLorell]

Sportsman 106 PDL?