Old Town Predator PDL Stability, Speed, Maneuverability | First Impressions (THIS BOAT IS AMAZING!)

[@frankrivelli2781]

I just purchased the Sportsman Big Water PDL 132 which is the same exact boat as the Predator. Old Town rebranded it the “Sportsman Big Water PDL.” It really is a great fishing pedal Kayak. Great video!

[@XxJalelxX]

Oh yes I seen those videos, I think you're referring to Aliex. I also just got the Bigwater and watching those videos concerned me about the stability , but I liked the kayak for its rigability. Will be getting it soon, hopefully I won't need outriggers.

[@ckwoutdoors]

Indeed. I like his reviews, but I feel he stretches the truth a bit on the Predator's (Bigwater) "lack" of stability. He's leaning way off the side of the boat, going full speed and cranking the rudder hard over while leaning out, and climbing up on one sidewall with both feet, and then claiming the boat is unstable because it flipped, but those scenarios are something that you would never normally do and something that no kayak is really designed for. I just feel a lot of what he said about its stability was unfair. It is good to know the limits of the boat for sure, but pushing it way beyond what you would ever normally do until it flips, then calling it unstable just seems like an inaccurate representation to me. The riggability is fantastic, and I assure you, you won't need outriggers. It is an extremely stable boat. Lots and lots of people use them here in Florida for offshore fishing and they handle amazing. I love mine, and have had it in some pretty nasty conditions since publishing this video and it is a workhorse man. Pushed headon right through 2ft whitecaps with a strong incoming current and 25mph gusts the other day in Destin Pass, no issues. I was a little nervous, but the boat wasn't 🤣 Didn't even budge. I almost went in the water a couple times from my own stupidity but the boat was stable as could be!

[@Steve-qo4hi]

very good video. Excellent production. I just bought the newest version yesterday. Can't wait to take it out.

[@Letizia4813]

What is the draft of that boat with the pedal drive down?

[@kevindonovan5274]

Great info thanks!

[@stevenackerman2575]

Another cool video. Are there different pitch propellers available?

[@ckwoutdoors]

I am unsure if Old Town makes any, but I have seen several people out there who 3D print them and sell them aftermarket.

[@PompdUpFishin]

Old town rep told me that installing an anchor trolley system voids the warranty which made it a no-go for me.

[@jeffheller8679]

Great video! I am considering buying this kayak. How well do you think it paddles? Could you paddle with the drive out for any distance comfortably?

[@ckwoutdoors]

Thanks! After a year of heavy use, I still recommend it. Great boat! Its definitely heavy, but also a pretty hydrodynamic hull as well so paddling it isn't SUPER comfortable, but also isn't too bad either. Could be a lot worse to paddle, like the Hobie PA. Since it's so wide, having a long paddle really helps with making paddling more efficient and comfortable. It also tracks pretty well and putting the rudder down and locking it centered can help you stay on course if paddling in heavy wind. Hope this helps!

[@KennyP88]

That should get you back in when you 'do' get caught out. Is there a spare paddle if the paddle rig ever breaks? Planning for the worst never hurts.

[@ckwoutdoors]

Yes, there is a paddle holder on the side of the boat so you always have a backup if the pedal drive goes down while you are out! Its a sweet boat. I am loving it so far

[@robbiew8783]

How shallow can you go?

[@ckwoutdoors]

About a foot and a half with the drive down, a few inches with the drive up.

[@timberwolf3781]

This isnt a 2021 pred.... more like a 2019. My 2021 is totally different.

[@ckwoutdoors]

Correct, mine is a 2018 model. In 2019 Old Town made several minor changes to the boat.

[@timberwolf3781]

@@ckwoutdoors I got mine last fall.... really haven't rigged it out much yet. But I love how solid of a platform it is. Throwing a Xi3 bow mount on it once all the parts arrive. Hoping it will be just as stable under 55 pounds of thrust. will let ya know

[@ckwoutdoors]

@@timberwolf3781 Sweet! That sounds awesome. You don't see too many people putting motors on the predator, at least where I'm at, so that'll be cool!

[@jeffreyau1286]

U don’t if I ask how tall r u and what is ur weight.

[@jefferybarron929]

Life preserver????

[@andrewcox7179]

He said he has a pfd under his seat.

[@timdoll6718]

Crappy noise !

[@ckwoutdoors]

What noise are you talking about?