Old Town Predator XL

This is a review of the Old Town Predator XL with Minn Kota trolling motor.

[@dennislewis7602]

So I’ve been over KZbin. And yours by far is one of the best at explaining everything on this kayak. I just bought this identical kayak. It is loaded with almost everything. Except the American 🇺🇸. I will have one asap! I haven’t got to take it out yet because it’s been raining every afternoon or every day. I can’t wait! It’s in really great condition. The only thing I’ve seen wrong was my own fault. The battery tester button. I tried to test it to make sure it worked. I keep pushing and it broke the button on the decal . The problem was I was a dummy and didn’t have the red lease (cut off line) hooked up 😂so it was tester the air 😂😂😂😂. I don’t know if I can replace it but other than that it’s a really nice kayak. But I really appreciate your video! I wish it was longer. I can’t wait to feel it push my down the channel lol😂. I’m thinking about getting some cameras and bringing this kayak back. I think it’s a really nice kayak and doesn’t get enough attention! Thanks for yours video buddy! Hopefully you’re still getting out there!

[@Drew86613]

Great in-depth review, thank you for making this video.

[@chasinthewind8649]

Thanks for the review good job. I will say I’ve never Hurd someone call an electric motor an engine. Btw those red cables are called kill switches.

[@jvillaro1]

Found a used one for a good deal. You guys think this would be good for in shore rock fishing????

[@tomb1198]

Re-watched your review again. Here's an issue I found with mine(same kayak). I get out at 0-dark thirty when it's still pretty dark out. If you are having trouble plugging in the battery or motor connectors in ( which way to rotate to get in), try this. Plug in and then mark with white paint on the socket and the plug. I used a little car touch up paint. Takes the guess work out of plugging in and won't cause you to mess up the connector.

[@antoniosannicandro4945]

tomb should i get this kayak or should I get a hobie with a mirage drive. Is the old town predator to much of an hassle?

[@Caper1960]

Very in-depth video and easy to understand, thanks. I am deciding between this model and the PDL, have you tried the PDL or know someone who has? Looking for a comparison. Also where I am from, Ontario, we have some pretty big water, is this good in the rough stuff?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Thanks John. So, I have not tried the PDL. I have read good things about them. With they would have created a system where you could swap out the consoles, but you use your feet to steer in mine. Obviously the PDL will be lighter and not reliant on power. However, mine is so nice just to kick back and enjoy the trip. As far as stability and rough waters, well, its a kayak so you should be careful, but for kayak in general, these are pretty stable. Keep your center of gravity low, and you should have no problem.

[@Wildchannel360]

Nice review!!! Very detailed!! perfect for anybody researching for a fishing kayak!!

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Thank you. Not a pro reviewer, but tried to cover everything.

[@drewbfishing7002]

Dope! Appreciate the full review! Defiantly very informative

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Thanks Drew.

[@mathewt767]

I've been fishing from a predator 13 for two years now. At first I was second guessing not getting the mk. I'm so glad I went with the 13 instead.

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

To each his own. I am sure its a great YAK. I like the motor option personally but if I ever get a 13, maybe I will do a review of it. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheTomLombardo]

I gave you a thumbs up. Pretty good review. Its was good that you let us know that you liked the Kayak at the beginning because as you said it sounded like a somewhat negative review. Looks like a great boat. Is it capable of taking on the peddle drive instead of the minn-Kota battery powered propeller. That battery operated one may put an already expensive hobby way out of my price range. Thanks for the review.

[@tomb1198]

I have the same kayak. Love it. I use it for trolling lakes. Just an idea you might like for stowing your net. I have lost a few big fish fumbling for a net under the seat or behind the seat. I added another paddle 'taco' clip to the other side of the kayak than the paddle. The net handle fits perfect. Right there when you need it!

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Thanks Tom, I have thought of something like that. Its a great idea. The only issue I think I would have is it getting in my way when I don't need it. I wont knock it just yet though because I agree with you, the other two places you mentioned are not ideal either. Thanks for the feed back.

[@chasinthewind8649]

tomb why do you even need a net the top of the boat is only inches from the waters surface. Oooo I just realized y’all probably don’t stand up I stand an fish from anything I’m fishing from if I can’t stand while fishing I won’t keep the boat. I mostly fish from canoes never really understood why people would want a kayak over a canoe but these sup kayaks have my attention.

[@soverjas]

is there still a good amount of room to stand with the motor in? That is kind of going to be my deciding factor. I thought about ordering the stand up bar with the minn kota version. was wondering if it can be set back some so I can lift up the seat and have the stand up bar over the counsel.

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

I would not say a good amount. I should say that I am not a big fan of standing up. I have done it a few times but its not easy for me. If you lift the seat up, then standing room is increased a lot. When the motor is down you have one foot on one side and one foot on the other. If you lift one foot, you will be more unbalanced. It a tough call. I would say, just standing up is fine, but if you plan on moving around a lot, then you may want to rethink this yak.

[@kevincoffey6022]

What make battery box and where did you get the connector to the boat plug?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

The battery plug in and everything came preinstalled on this model...

[@volfan1nga]

That scraped part is aluminum and will not rust.

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Awesome, it took me a minute to think about whet you were referring to but now I remember. The rutter. That's great to know and makes a lot of sense......weight wise that is. Thanks.

[@seamusmclaughlin5916]

The engine lock device only goes half way. That is how it was designed

[@windowclean100]

Hey dude just move landing pod over to the right so it’s easy to bring up and down and it lands in the pod just my two cents

[@antoniosannicandro4945]

Should I go with like a hobie mirage drive or should I do this kayak with the the motor how much of a hassle is the old town predator?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Sorry for the very late reply. I have to go through my comments and I see that I miss some at times. Hobie Is top of the line as I have read. I cannot tell you which to get because I do not have a Hobie and have never use one. As far as hassle???? Its not bad for me. When you get on the lake, its very nice to just cruise around. I like it a lot. It would be nice to have both options in one boat. That would be a market changer.

[@tjtewshews5531]

Is there a particular type of charger I should get for this?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Nope, Any charger will work. I use trickle charge when my battery sits for long periods of time.

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Thanks Mike. I would love to see what you think. I plan up uploading more videos in the future. I will sub you.

[@justintroy9827]

Hey, so I'm really wanting to get the predator XL kayak. I want the option to upgrade to the trolling motor later. My question is though, is it easy to paddle? I'll be paddling for a while before I can afford the trolling motor upgrade.

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

For a fishing kayak it is easy. In fact, the design is made for stability which made me consider that very thing, but I was pleasantly surprised. I use the motor mostly but when I am close to shore or moving just a small distance I always paddle. All that being said, I would only consider this yak if you truly intend to buy the motor down the road. Its made for this kayak and there are cheaper, better options if you never buy the motor.

[@justintroy9827]

Andy Gerken a.k.a. TOPSO I believe what I've decided to do is buy the old town predator 13. Then do the motor mod to the rear of it later. I was figuring all the costs. It would actually be around 1200 cheaper with nearly an identical yak. Only difference would be the rear motor mount instead of under the yak. My mind changed so much that I could very well change back to the XL in a matter of days. Lol

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

That's cool. So instead of steering with your feet, you will steer with the motor right? I thought of that too at one point. Sure you will like it and the price difference is significant.

[@carls.6746]

I'm 5'11" and 325lb. how unstable is it with the seat in the high position. if I'm spending that kind of cash I want a tank of a kayak.

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

I am 5' 9" 220. I am not a fan of the upper position. If you can manage to keep your gear on your chest and limit your turning around, you are fine. I am not able to twist and bend like I used to so I tend to be unstable more than the Yak. That being said, the yak is very stable in comparison to others. I wont pretend to know for sure, and, you have to be realistic that this is a thin boat (yak) and limits need to be respected.

[@normanrogers8057]

How long of running time

[@azfishing2947]

BTW, I am digging this kayak!

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Let me know if you post any footage.

[@ClintChaney]

Hi Andy. Is there any hand control accessories for the rudder?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

I am not aware of any hand control accessories. Its a pretty simple system and I think it could be modded for hand controls if you would prefer. I don't think the manufacture makes anything like that.

[@ClintChaney]

Thanks Andy! I'm a paraplegic so one I get that figured out this kayak seems great!

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

I think it could be modded for you. I am not sure exactly how, but if I were you, I would join a couple yak groups on face book and see what people there may have to say. I am sure you are not the first one with this question. Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@jiml4378]

Thanks for a great review.

[@MTSail]

Best review ever

[@tact15]

Not to be nosy or anything but what something like this cost

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

You can expect to pay around 3k. I got mine as a floor model and was into it for $2600. Its still a pretty good deal with the trolling motor included.

[@tact15]

+Andy Gerken a.k.a. TOPSO sounds good thank you i will have to check them out

[@derekwalker4623]

Does the seat come out of the Kayak?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Yes, you can remove the seat, but not. easily. It folds up easily and adjusts up or down easily.

[@Brahwtf]

You were awesome on your overview! Nobody points out the flaws because they don't want to like they baught a shity yak but I must say the bad thing's you pointed out don't out weigh the all the good things about this yak. I live on Oahu, Hawaii and all my assumptions about this boat were correct and if not you answer it for me. I just baught one of these yaks and it will me here in another week. I plan on doing a walk around and test on it too so keep an eye out for my video. Thanks again for this video. Im at mike96792 on KZbin.

[@jamesking7541]

How stable is it?

[@lifeandadventures]

I have my predator MK all set up and ready for the first trip. I tried plugging in the motor and battery while the boat is on a lift in my garage. I couldn't get the motor to turn. I don't feel like the plug in connections for the battery and the motor console are very good. difficult to know if I've connected correctly. Any advice from anyone? I assume these will run without being in the water.

[@tomb1198]

If you are having trouble plugging in the battery or motor connectors in ( which way to rotate to get in), try this. Plug in and then mark with white paint on the socket and the plug. I used a little car touch up paint. Takes the guess work out of plugging in and won't cause you to mess up the connector.

[@azfishing2947]

My knob on my Minn Kota doesn't close all the way either. Thought it was just mine. Also, my battery charge indication never shows completely full. Not sure why?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

AZ, yea, I have yet to show a completely full charge. I know its not my battery. One thing which you are probably doing but I will repeat. Make sure you are not engaged when you check battery level. Needs to be in the off position. Are you having battery issues as far as losing battery life on the lake? I have a deep cycle 24 cell battery. I run it all day and never have a problem.

[@Theduffgroup]

Just a FYI, I couldn't get my knob to turn all the way then I found out to turn it the opposite way and it turns completely.

[@azfishing2947]

Andy Gerken a.k.a. TOPSO , no I am not having any battery issues.

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

The Thomas Duff Home Selling Group | Keller Williams Realty Dude, if its that easy, I am gonna freak. I don't know if I tried that or not. LOL. I will let you know.

[@ru1thirst]

You just loosen the screw a hair with Allen wrench to let the lock turn all the way. I keep it in the center console just in case but have never needed it.

[@trnewnam1232]

Does it come with a battery?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

Batteries sold separately.

[@hgghggggjhgg8330]

What battery do u have and how many amps?

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

I believe this is the battery that I have for this Kayak. 24 series. CCA- 500 If its different, I will let you know. It lasts me all day 7-8 hours on the lake. And still have juice. I have never ran out. www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Deep-Cycle-Lead-Acid-Battery/1982452.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dmarine%252Bbattery%26CQ_ref%3D~c1-Boating

[@hgghggggjhgg8330]

Andy Gerken a.k.a. TOPSO Thanks for the links, that help out a lot. I have a mighty max deep cycle 35 amp 12 volt and my little battery sucks. I did my research, read the reviews , it was light ,last for hours and had 5 stars that's why I bought It. Im guessing they had their own employees writings good reviews and giving out 5 stars instead of real customers doing it. My battery only last 2 hours that's being really conservative. It's good to hear that your battery is holding up good and lasting all day, that's really impressive..I'm gonna jump on board and buy me one also. I'm done with mighty max deep cycle from amazon, I even offer to upgrade my battery and pay for shipping and still got denied because they don't take returns even though I used it once. I need a good battery that will last all day and don't have to worried about paddling back to the dock. Thanks

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

That sucks. I am really happy with mine. I have a buddy who works for the power company and he is into generators and battery stuff. He told me to get deep cycle with as many cells as possible. The guys at Cabelas were super helpful. I almost spent double on another and I am glad I did not I think mine was like a $130. Truth be told, I have had to use in my F-350 diesel a few times this winter and it starts my truck faster than two other batteries. LOL Good luck. BTW, if you got any KZbin videos, let me know. I will subscribe.

[@hgghggggjhgg8330]

Andy Gerken a.k.a. TOPSO I don't have any video but u got my subscription, Thanks again buddy

[@mrguppy1016]

HAHAHA THOSE SHOES ON A GREAT KAYAK

[@kevinjorgeson2548]

How much are those

[@AndyGerkenakaTOPSO]

You can expect to pay between $2500 - $3000.

[@aaronanstett8987]

its huge hahaha thats what she said