Old Town Sportsman 106 Minn Kota | On the Water | 1st Impressions

On the Water first impressions of the Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota.
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#OldTown
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#106PoweredbyMinnKota

[@stevensuhar8302]

I have this yak, use a 100ah lithium battery. Works great out on the Pacific in Oregon. People that say you can't use a 10' yak in the salt are probably bass fisherman from the midwest. 10' yaks turn quicker in a trough to square up with the waves. No problem in 2 -3 swell. Trolling salmon or bottom fishing lingcod, great kayak! Great review!

[@homebuiltcamperdave5226]

I have this kayak. A lot more expensive now. But I absolutely love it. I have a 100ah lithium iron battery from Renogy with the Bluetooth interface. Full throttle I can go about 3 hours. But you never do that. I do full throttle to where I want to get to. Then I slow it down. I get a whole day out of it with battery to spare. It is wonderful both for fishing and photography. It’s so quiet what you want to photograph doesn’t fly or run away. And you can get in anywhere. I did discover you can leave that rear lock on the motor unlocked. Then if you hit something it just pops up and pops the kill switch while it does it. It does have a fair amount of draft due to the skeg on the motor. So on the shallows I just pop the motor and paddle. It paddles fairly well. You would not want to paddle it a long distance.

[@Calamiti999Fine]

Hands down the single best first impression/review of this kayak that’s been done. Thanks

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@KZ-bu6su]

Hey! Ran into your channel on accident and was like “that looks a lot like my kayak..” turns out I’m the guy that bought it from you. Lol small world

[@joeys7519]

Your kayak is sick!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Chadwick805]

Now this is a great vid show the price and all!! Most of these videos people tend to hide the price for some reason and always keep it a guessing game the whole time I’m really looking to get a kayak

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@user-jx8bx3be7n]

Really informative thanks

[@fishwithoutfear8970]

Awesome review man. You did a great job. Looking at getting two of these for me and my pops. This helps.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks! It’s a great boat

[@bernielomaxsmustache7204]

Yeah like you got 6k

[@fishwithoutfear8970]

Mind your damn business Bernie.

[@HendersonHookin]

I just sold my 136 ap and ordered the 106mk yesterday. I have a predator mk as well and after coming very close to selling the predator I realized how much I liked the simplicity of it. So I think the 106 mk will check most of if not all of the boxes on my list. Ill be putting up videos of it hopefully with a monster striper in it soon. Your video was the one that sealed it for me. 120 ap or 106 mk so thanks

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem! Glad I could help. The simplicity of the 106 MK is what I love about it the most.

[@HendersonHookin]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors I’ve got a ton of videos up on the autopilot 136 . I’m to the point that when someone has a question or an issue, I just send them a video.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

That’s awesome

[@randypannell2509]

Very good review. Got one a month ago, really enjoyed all the points you made. Thinking that while running usually not show battery strength. Has to be stopped I think.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks! Gotcha, yea that make sense then.

[@Dennis-yc6kh]

Purchased 106 pdl first and enjoyed it very much. Then Purchased the 106 mk. Loved the 106 mk so much that I converted the pdl to mk powered. Same center mounted mk position but no foot steering.

[@Tinman66o]

How did you get the motor controls on the pdl converted to minnkota. I've called and ask oldtown to make a kayak that does both. They say they have no plans to

[@Dennis-yc6kh]

Basically I cut the shaft down on the minn kota trolling motor. Then removed the PDL and mounted the mk motor in the same place as PDL. I poured epoxy in the PDL mount to fill void. The minn kota 5 speed contro was installed on the cut shaft. Wired through the hull back to the battery.

[@parkernichols2263]

What lake was that

[@GaylordMFocker1]

Enjoyed the review and waiting for my 106 MK to arrive at the dealer in September! Would you mind sharing where you got that Minn Kota sticker on the front of your kayak? Thanks,

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

It came with my minn Kota i-Pilot motor for a boat I think eBay had similar ones though

[@RadReelingFishing]

Great video. You're going to love that kayak. I'm pretty sure the battery tester is designed to work when the throttle is in neutral. Awesome job.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks! Yea I realized about the battery tester after the video, and boy did a lithium battery make a difference though haha.

[@RadReelingFishing]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors Nice, I have a lead acid battery with mine and get 4.5 MPH with a light load. I'll be watching my notifications for more awesome content.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea that’s about what I get too. It’s so much lighter than my old lead acid and I used it for about 3 hours and it only used about 10%.

[@randypannell2509]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors can you provide specs on the lithium battery you got. With SLA battery recommended deep cycle 27 with 100ah. However I know the Dakota one at 100ah runs about $900 so if lower ah works good overall and cheaper I would try changing. Appreciate your info

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

my battery is a 100ah Amped Outdoors lithium battery it cost about $700. It fits in the battery box perfectly.

[@yakfishny8150]

Sweet set up! I’m looking to get one, but am curious how much you have invested in your rig so I can get an idea. Kayak, batteries, fish finder, power pole, wheel kit and all. I’ve had a native watercraft slayer propel for 3 years and have upgraded and added on since I purchased it. Your rig looks awesome and it seems like you thought of everything you need. If you could shoot me a message and a ballpark dollar amount it would be much appreciated!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I sent you a message on instagram

[@stevehogan8829]

Thanks, I've got one coming but the wait is horrific.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea there’s a pretty high demand right now

[@timjones6637]

I’m planing on getting one soon but, wait on new color like forest green or hunter.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Great yak! I don’t know if they will release any new colors or not. I wouldn’t be surprised to see at least one new color soon since it’s been around a year since they launched. Maybe camo.

[@timjones6637]

Yes, I agree it been around a year and it is time they need upgrade colors. Camo will burn production floor! LoL

[@manbern]

Nice video! Thanks for the review! Where are you fishing? Looks a lot like the Rez!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Bowlers Mill (Gordonsville, VA)

[@manbern]

Blue Summit Outdoors looking forward to your other reviews on this kayak!

[@trippingonfaith7094]

Any plans on a video with the lipo battery and what do you think for the open ocean?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I don’t do open ocean so I can’t say I only do freshwater and inshore.

[@HendersonHookin]

How do you like your fish finder where you have it? That’s where I’m planning on putting mine as I bet on the left. It looks like you can reach it fine. I’m 6’2” so I think it will work. Mine will be here Friday but I’m using my wife’s as a pattern so when it gets here I just put everything on it

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I really like it in that position. I can reach it just fine but it’s far enough away that it doesn’t get in the way.

[@ciscokid2444]

Good video! What Garmin are you using?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks it’s a Striker 7CV

[@jonnyspeed]

I'm rigging my new 106MK right now. I see you have the PowerPole as well. How are you powering it? I'm thinking of adding a through hull fitting and running the cables up to the battery box under the seat.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I used the battery pack. However I ended up upgrading to the Autopilot 120 and sold my power pole micro. But I don’t see a problem with the way you want to install 👍

[@jamnjoe19]

How do you like the 120 compared to the 106?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Spot lock is a real game changer

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

Would you happen to know if you can use a Optima AGM battery?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

From what I’ve read, I think you can use AGM batteries.

[@Joneski4Jesus]

Noticed you weren't using scupper plugs - did you notice much water intake when you stood up?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

A little I ended up buying some from old towns website.

[@DTruth850]

Do you keep the strap with the wheels on it full time ?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

The wheels stay with the truck they are too bulky to bring with me on the water. When I’m using the wheels yes I tend to use the strap most of the time to keep the wheels from sliding out.

[@tmat2259]

I prefer the paddle version, too much gear on this kayak for me. I like it simple.

[@ciscokid2444]

How did you mount the transducer?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4bUoZuobquVsKM

[@gregorylebaron9405]

How did you set up your anchor wizard?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I installed a track at the very back opposite of the of the power pole mount.

[@rodneyfulmer9587]

I see all these videos demos but can not find one anywhere to purchase !!!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea they are hard to find in stock, combination of high demand and COVID delays.

[@Hunter__14]

is the motor removable ? can i swap it with a PDL set up?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

The motor is removable but you can’t swap it with a pdl they are a different shape. It comes with a blank plate so that you can just paddle it but that’s it.

[@stevehogan8829]

Traded my 120 Auto for the 106 Powered by MK. The 106 works much better for me,

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Both are great but I love the simplicity of the 106mk

[@russdennis7026]

Any possible way to get spot lock on this model?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Nope

[@mhitson7483]

Great review! Novice question… is a fish finder that essential for lake/inshore use Thanks for any responses .

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No I would say it’s a nice to have but it’s not essential. Especially in shallow water it’s way more helpful in deeper water.

[@mhitson7483]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors thanks!

[@pescaconchuchin4277]

I looked at several videos of this kayak I think they said that it has to be registered or something like that and another question has not said if it has a brake or what it is like thanks

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

It depends on your local government, but in the US most states require it to be registered because it has a motor. Not sure what you mean by “brake”.

[@pescaconchuchin4277]

Blue Summit Outdoors no brakes if you want to stop

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

It has reverse that can help you stop

[@fishingwcp]

That thing is loaded out!!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea I wanted to test how it would perform for long days of fishing.

[@fishingwcp]

Blue Summit Outdoors awesome good vid!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@hanoitripper1809]

Would it be stable off shore

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I don’t fish offshore but I have seen someone take it out offshore

[@jaynedopler2837]

Any update on the lithium battery and speed test? Thanks for the review!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

The lithium battery is awesome! As for the speed test the top speed that I’m getting is around 4.2 mph. But I still plan on making a video about it.

[@jaynedopler2837]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors a video on the battery and charger/ technique would be awesome. I have this kayak on order, but there is minimal info out there on optimal battery setups and chargers to use. Also curious of recharge time. Great review and I subscribed, so looking forward to more content from you!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks! I’ll try to make a battery specific video.

[@YodaPala]

What amp hour did you go with and what box did you get?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Amped Outdoors lithium 60ah

[@CrazyCranker]

The million dollar question: what is the best crate system you have used for this kayak? I've looked at a every option but still on the fence.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Removable: Winderness Stystem Cart. Attached: Boonedox Landing Gear.

[@CrazyCranker]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors Nagh, I meant like "Black Pak or H-Crate"

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Haha sorry misread that. I like the BlackPak but with Nucanoe Hinges.

[@CrazyCranker]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors Interesting, I'm still on the fence between the Black Pak, H-Crate or WS crate. Tough choice. :(

[@2575bike]

just found your video ..trying to decide on new kayak ...what did you think of the hobie over the old town...cant decide on a pedal drive or the old town 10-6... appreciate hearing from you about your experience.. Thank you

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

It all depends on which model Hobie you are comparing it to. Let me know which model and I can be more specific. I did a video comparing it to the Hobie Compass here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6vIiGNrbc6dpa8

[@2575bike]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors Thanks for getting back .I think the outback or pro 12. I just need to make up my mind to pedal or motor. Just found your other video's thanks for sharing your experience

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I have a ton of videos on all kinds of Hobies. I just recently made the switch from pedal to power. In my opinion Hobie makes the best pedal kayaks on the market. With that said I do love the powered Old Towns. The pros of a pedal over a powered kayak are: they are simpler, no electrical wires and the failures that come with that in time, no batteries to charge (plus the extra weight), Hobie do better in vegetation than a prop, and they are typically lighter (except the PA).

[@2575bike]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors Thanks again for the feedback...glad to hear hobie has the best pedal drive..heading toward retirement could be the motor .. thanks again for sharing the info

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem glad to help 👍

[@fishntales1766]

Is the pdl drive compatible with this?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Nope. Minn Kota drive only but it does come with a plug so that you can paddle it without the motor.

[@chrisc5726]

You didn’t mention spot-lock. Does it have one like on the 120 and 136? Thank you friend.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

This model does not have spot lock the motor is in a fixed position and doesn’t move. You have to steer with the rudder.

[@chrisc5726]

Blue Summit Outdoors Thank you. Looks very compact and roomy. Debating on whether to get a small boat or the Old Town 120 Autopilot. New to both.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I have some videos coming up on the autopilot 120 comparing it to both the 106 Minn Kota and a small boat.

[@chrisc5726]

Blue Summit Outdoors Will be checking them out. Thank you.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Since you’re using a motor did you have to register your boat? Some places like Kansas that’s what they require for any motorized vessel.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yup VA requires all vessels that have an Electric Motor or a Gas Engine to be registered. It was about $42 for title and registration.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Blue Summit Outdoors OK, I personally think that it’s a little ridiculous especially being such a environmentally friendly method for such a small craft an extremely low horsepower. It’s not a big deal to register a boat but it’s just another burden. I really like the looks of that old town enjoy.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea I would have to agree.

[@BernPisarcikJr]

NJ we would also need a boat license, and must be at least 13 years old. This is why I had to upgrade my son from SS107 to an Outback, it’s tiresome for 11 year old to paddle everywhere. I admire the motor yacks. Thank you for mentioning the pee hole, lol, gotta love a pee hole.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

That’s crazy that you need a license for a yak with a motor. Yea the SS107 is a great yak, but it’s kind of slow and harder to paddle. And yea the pee hole is a must have 😂

[@DontsaveJlaff]

How do you compare this motor to the evolve v2 motor?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Hard to tell right now, after I get my lithium battery in I’ll have a better idea. But I can tell you that the Evolve motor I had was used with an Outback which is a skinnier and longer boat so its not a real fair comparison for speed just because the boats are totally different hulls. I like the Old Town Minn Kota pod better you don’t have to align the prop every time you take it out, plus its all integrated so no drilling and wiring required. Also this is setup for foot steer the Evolve uses the existing rudder hand steer, I prefer the foot steer after using it. I’ll make a video once the lithium battery comes in doing speed tests and ill most likely be comparing it to the Torqeedo/Evolve and Bixpy Jet.

[@DontsaveJlaff]

Blue Summit Outdoors i hear ya. I had the 403a on my pa12 but decided to go the evolve v2 route. Started thinking should i spend that 2400$ on a evolve motor or a old town with minn kota kayak for the same price.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea that’s kind of where I found myself too. The way I see it if you are going to motorize a kayak and its going to be the primary propulsion then what’s the point of paying for the pedals that’s about $800-1000 that you are paying and aren’t going to use. If you want to use both then I guess its worth it. Also side note the Minn Kota is quieter than the Evolve in my experience.

[@JoeBurner1720]

How do you think this kayak would handle on the ocean? Like coastal seas, open seas, basically the ocean in alaska?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I’ve never been out in the ocean/open seas on kayak so I couldn’t tell you personally. I have seen videos, from the Facebook owners group, of people doing it though.

[@tonebassin2571]

Great video need some advice please New to kayaking looking for best bang for my money like all do. Have about 2500.00 would like motor or pedal drive but with some good deck space do care bout length as long as deck is big enough any recommendation please.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

So far I’m really enjoying the 106 Minn Kota, I just got my new battery and man it made a huge difference it is very quick and responsive. I usually go for 12ft kayaks but due to the flat deck this kayak does NOT feel small like a normal 10ft kayak would. There is a ton of room and more open deck than something like a pedal drive. I always say demo before you buy something, but I know that is hard to do right now. It’s a super stable boat to be only 10ft. You can use a cheap lead acid battery and eventually upgrade to lithium down the road. I think that this kayak is a great bang for your buck option. Let me know if you have any specific questions about it, I’d be glad to help.👍

[@tonebassin2571]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors thank you actually I was looking at the sportsman 120 PDL but do like the minn kota. I feel as long as I have a nice flat deck I dont mind the 10 footer it is my first kayak so I probably wont eeven notice the difference lol.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea you probably will not notice a difference either way.

[@tonebassin2571]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors thank you again

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem

[@Ricky1317]

Hows the stability?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Rock Solid

[@guntastic264]

what lithium battery are you getting for it?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I bought the Amped Outdoors 100ah. Shipped quick and I should get it this week.

[@JoeBurner1720]

I’m not sure if I should get this or the autopilot 🤔 not sure if the autopilot is worth 1000+ more or not...

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Stay tuned I got video’s coming comparing the 2 👍

[@BVDsGoneFishing]

How frustrating is it to try and hold a position due to wind/current and fish a spot? That's the only thing holding me bac,, that and actually finding one for sale.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea definitely need an anchor or the Autopilot lol

[@unclebuck5957]

I am 6'2" and 235lbs 10'6 might be small for me

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I’m 6’ 230 I find it incredibly stable, but I’d also take a look at the Old Town Sportsman Autopilot 120. That gives you more space and a lot more motor features.

[@unclebuck5957]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors Thanks

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem

[@zachchan9464]

Now this boat sells for 3349.99 I can’t believe how pricey it got

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea it’s unfortunate for sure.