The MOST ADVANCED Fishing Kayak on the Market!! OLD TOWN SPORTSMAN AUTO PILOT 120 FULL REVIEW

[@RealWorldPDRTraining]

As a 260 lb dude I’m so glad I found you for this review! Been nervous about getting into kayak fishing as a taller weightier guy. So helpful. Thank you.

[@southernsalt]

Awesome man! You’re gonna love it!!

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

I purchased mine 2020 and it has changed my fishing experience for the better, true hands fishing Thanks for the video

[@southernsalt]

I’m starting to see that, I absolutely love mine!!

[@larrymcmakin1153]

I've been lusting after one of these for a while. Great video.

[@southernsalt]

🙌 thank you!

[@onlyredd2420]

Awesome kayak 👌🏻 I'll definitely be purchasing 👍🏻

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!!

[@DueSouthFishing]

Welcome to the Old Town family Nate.. Enjoy. I don't have the 120 but I do have the 106 MK and You are right "game changer" I'm a big guy to 6' 4" 270 pounds and I feel like a baby in a cradle when I'm in this kayak 👍

[@southernsalt]

Nice! I’m loving it so far!

[@chrismcleod2411]

I've had mine for two years now. I could never go back to not having spot lock, It's a game changer. In order to maximize the drive, you have to buy a lithium battery. It's lighter and can discharge all the way down without damage to the cells. I can fish 12 hours running spot lock and never go below 60%.

[@CAAARRRLL]

What size battery you use? Is that battery just being used for the motor or you also have a fish finder on that too? Pretty impressive it can last 12 hours and not even be half dead yet!

[@kevinsinvegas]

What battery are you using? Size? I've killed mine twice while fishing.

[@stevehogan8829]

I've had mine for 3 years. OldTown absolutely stands behind their products. They are the best on Customer Service. Call them and speak to a person. Amazing. it will spoil you. I've got my Lawrence HDS Live 8 at the end of the track on the right. Battery up front in the storage hole. Regular motor battery under seat. Through hull wiring is good but a squeeze for some larger wires. I removed the back 2 inset rod holders and put a Boonedox Landing gear. That kayak is an off shore beast.

[@southernsalt]

🙌 🙌

[@garynokes729]

Nice walk around. I have a 2017 Hobie Outback that I love but looking into getting a new kayak. I’m impressed with the Old Town. I have a very old vintage sit in Old Town that I used for many years. It was a great workhorse. Thanks for posting, good luck with outfitting your new unit.

[@southernsalt]

Thanks brother and I would highly recommend another Old Town, they have the best kayaks on the market in my opinion.

[@mpr4evrmpr4evr26]

I had a 2022 Pa14 360 with a motor guide Xi3 up front and currently have a old town 136 sportsman and hands down the old town feels better in rough waters. Im talking 3 to 4 ft white caps. Hands free operation but only drawback is no rod hull storage like Pa.

[@southernsalt]

Good to know, can’t wait to do a follow up review in a full months with the pros and cons

[@WarThunder-zt4xw]

You did a great job, really thorough! I've wanted a Kayak for some time but, never seen anything this cool! I am your size/weight and appreciate you demonstrating standing and turning around. It's so stable! One of my fears was capsizing trying to grab a sandwich or Coke from my cooler behind me.

[@eugene7304]

Excellent review, answered a lot of questions I had, thanks for making it.

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@stevejuststuff2779]

I saw one today in the store. I have researched many different brands and this is the exact kayak for my needs. The only thing I could pick on is the fact the cup holders have no way to drain water out of them. Seems like an easy fix in engineering. Anyway, Loved the review and can't wait to get it home. Thanks.

[@southernsalt]

🙌 🙌

[@javierdeleon7597]

I just bought one yesterday, and so far, I love it. I have yet to try it out, but I can't wait!

[@southernsalt]

Awesome brother you’re going to love it!!

[@DarronSmithBahamianMillionaire]

Great video Bro and no peddling needed for the big guys! Thanks for the video!!

[@GeorgiaKayakAngler]

Thank you for the review. I’m going out tomorrow to order this exact one. You made my mind up. Thank you!

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@Jakethefishingguy]

You’ve inspired me to get back on a yak! Just picked up my new one on Sunday. It’s great to be back!

[@southernsalt]

Awesome man!! Good luck out there!!

[@raulpena7809]

Thanks man for the review for us heavy set guys lol. I’m actually going to buy one but I was unsure about the stability but you took care of that for me brother. Thanks

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@markskibo5159]

Got a 136 2 months ago, Too awesome to explain!!!

[@southernsalt]

🙌 🙌

[@williamgriffin1502]

I have owned mine for about 2 years and I love it.

[@southernsalt]

Nice! I’m definitely loving this one so far!

[@pavernater]

I picked up 2 of the 136's a few months ago, haven't been out yet. Great vid.

[@derekbeatty7877]

Time to start saving up I really need one of these for summer fishing this work awesome for the Lil lake that are hard to get to

[@stansmith7118]

I’ve had the 106 MK for years and love it. Just ordered my 120 just like the one in the vid. Why???? Spot lock baby. I do a lot of coastal fishing and to have the spot lock feature, game changer no doubt.

[@southernsalt]

Man I’m loving everything about this kayak!!

[@tundrastorm4648]

What's the battery life/distance you can expect to get out of it? Say for reference you launch out of billy goat hole. Could made it to the mile rig out there and back comfortably and with enough reserve? Pending how much you use spot lock while there. Any way to use both the peddles for transit, then switch to minn Kota once on your spot?

[@southernsalt]

Man that depends on a ton of factors but I’ve ran it hard and haven’t come close to killing my battery. I would say around 12-15 miles or so if you don’t run wide open

[@SRH420ful]

geez on my Brooklyn kayak my front compartment holds a 100ah and a 30ah battery side by side and the charger is in there too and a few small pieces of 2 by 4 so everything is locked in. I spent the last 2 days in deep ,rough water not a drop got in, a serious and functional front waterproof compartment . Haha and you need compartments all over the place because you stole the perfect spot for gear under the seat. I love reaching under the seat for everything tackle in waterproof containers . I would love to send you a picture of what I have behind the seat which includes a 48 qt cooler in a metal frame holding 6 metal rod holders, there is also outriggers and wheels and adjustable shade , the sun is so tough here in Florida your comments please on the Brooklyn 13 motorized would be appreciated , thanx Dave P

[@waytooslow]

Been eyeing this one a lot lately, perfect for my mission.

[@southernsalt]

Man I’m loving, definitely a great investment

[@rvfishingyet]

Thanks for the review. Looks like a solid yak!

[@southernsalt]

Very much so!!

[@grumpysgarage7276]

I've been leaning towards the Nucanoe Unlimited but I'm now leaning towards the AP120 or AP136. Being pre-wired and easy set up with the motor is a big plus for me

[@ryansas7783]

I’ve recently purchased a Johnson Outdoors Old Town SPORTSMAN AUTOPILOT 120. I do like the wireless handheld remote. However, ideally I’d like to stand and cast continuously while navigating amongst the current and structure. So I was wondering if this electric motor is compatible with a foot pedal control? Being new to electric motors, any info or pointers would be great 🙏 Cheers Ryan Australia

[@southernsalt]

Not compatible as far as my knowledge

[@celvindiaz2835]

How’s that battery working for you sir do you recommend it?

[@coreyledin-bristol7068]

I'm drooling all over the place right now. I want this so bad!

[@southernsalt]

🙌 🙌

[@briansupermag3918]

Wow no dry storage at all. Not for me. But wish you the best of luck with it. I'll stick to my 2021 PA14 360. Absolutely zero issues and perfect for me. Good luck with your new ride

[@southernsalt]

Good luck with your 360. I had 15 warranties in 3 years. That’s enough to make anyone move on.

[@briansupermag3918]

​@southernsalt yeah don't blame you. yeah i would too. But if i ever tried a prop drive it would be jackson Knarr. Thats the best prop drive out. They left OT in the rear view mirror.. i have 2 hobies my pa14 360 and a outback and both flawless so far. Weird how some have issues others dont. But i wish you best with your OT. Looking forward to more videos

[@ifyouknowyouknow1918]

He uses his hobies everyday doing guides and videos. Do you at least use yours more than once a week?

[@jimmyinthaphanh2993]

I’m on my 3rd pa14 360 hull & 2nd drive😂. I have a 2020 Outback. That’s been solid.

[@briansupermag3918]

@@jimmyinthaphanh2993 what year is your PA14??

[@dabneyoffermein595]

does it seem like the rudder up and down lever is a bit far behind for left-hand accessible grabbing while in the seat?

[@southernsalt]

Seems fine to me

[@dabneyoffermein595]

@@southernsalt ok, great. looking at all these kayaks for the best possible one for the particular needs and everything is in play.

[@fishking10]

How long would that battery last

[@southernsalt]

I’ve ran mine hard for 8 hours and it hasn’t died on me yet.

[@StevenBrown-o8n]

It's a deep cell, correct?@@southernsalt

[@anthonyhenry2143]

Hey Southern Salt are you the one who reviewed the unsinkable polarized glasses?

[@southernsalt]

Not me

[@TheSkymtb]

Is the PA 360 finally gone. Did you get a Lithium battery for it. That was a game changer in my OT Sportsman 106 MK.

[@southernsalt]

Yeah, I got a FPV 110ah

[@Cloventhal]

Looks like everything I ever wanted! I cant imagine it being a good idea to stand up and fish on though.... I feel like setting the hook would be tricky and possibly lead to falling in the water lol.

[@colesuchecki2969]

Does the troller motor come with this kayak?

[@southernsalt]

It does.

[@NAUTILYFE]

nice review brother! hope you have been doing well! any idea, if and the cost to also get the pedal drive on this? Also does it come with a paddle or do you need to buy one? and does the minn kota remote come with this as well?

[@southernsalt]

Remote and paddle come with it however it doesn’t have a pedal drive option. You will also need to buy a lithium battery for it

[@homie9989]

What model is your trailer? Where did you get yours? Thx. Am looking with similar set-up as well. Thx.

[@southernsalt]

I built it out of uni strut. I have a trailer build video on here if you’re interested check it out

[@homie9989]

@@southernsalt thank you.

[@prometheus33759]

How many pounds thrust is this MinnKota rated for?

[@genevabrown450]

My trolling motor still hangs off the side mounted to a board affixed to my extended rod holders, I still got my giant deepcycle battery, Im good.

[@southernsalt]

👍🏻

[@qchirac]

I just don't feel the motor is strong enough, especially in river currents. Is there anyway to replace the motor with a stronger one? or replace it with some gas motor please?

[@southernsalt]

It’s been plenty strong for every situation I’ve been in on the gulf coast

[@jimmyinthaphanh2993]

An AutoPilot 136 will be my next kayak if I ever have to warranty my PA14 360 again 😂. Only con to me for the Autopilot is no in hull storage / not much access

[@southernsalt]

🙌 I’m loving it so far!

[@zero19838383]

How shallow will this run? I’ve seen people fishing in the marshes with them but they are always poling around and I’m wondering where the limit is.

[@southernsalt]

I ran it today in 1.5 foot with no problem but I don’t know if I would go any shallower

[@seandrake7534]

@@southernsaltwas that with the motor down ?

[@michaelshannon2662]

I've been a kayak angler for 20 years and have had paddle, pedal and motorized kayaks. I enjoyed the features you showed in your video BUT I fish in coastal marshes with sometimes strong currents on the falling tide. How good is the geostationary ability of the Autopilot under these conditions? Can it keep me in a good fishing position under these kinds of conditions? I loved my Ocean Kayak Torque for its hands-free maneuverability but gave it up due to its weight-so will the Auto Pilot 120 work on a lithium battery? Give me two yes answers here and I will find a dealer!

[@southernsalt]

Well yes and yes lol. I currently run a lithium 105 ah battery , and I fish a ton of coastal marshes and the spot lock works flawlessly in the current I’ve had no issues there.

[@mikeknottscreek8183]

Just wondering if a pedal drive fits in the same port?

[@southernsalt]

Not on this model

[@ram_bam]

Great video.

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!!

[@mikeoneill81]

How do you feel about using that motor outside of ponds or small lakes?

[@doublec1758]

Feel good about it, I’ve had one for 2 years and it’s a beast. I have been in some rough water and have never once felt like I wasn’t safe. It is a damn stable machine.

[@southernsalt]

I feel great in it

[@shred5]

How about flipping? From what I understand the 132 bigwater hull is the wobbliest but has pretty good secondary stability. I’ve seen people flip the PA14s and it seems like they have good initial stability but the second they get to secondary stability territory they go right over, you can see it the second it leans to far. I demo’d one and stood okay but this does have me concerned, especially as it would let me pack more gear.

[@smileycamel5635]

Yes the big water is narrower, a lot less stable...I've never actually flipped mine but have fallen out a couple times...but I like to pedal and it is faster! I'm thinking of the new e pdl....for longer range...but that spot lock..and the return home feature makes me want the autopilot...136

[@shred5]

@@smileycamel5635 I demo'd the Bigwater and absolutely loved it's performance. I stood in it in some decent current as a big guy and it wasn't very rickety, maybe a little better than my current Bonafide SS127. I didn't get to test the secondary stability, but I hear it's generally not too bad.

[@shred5]

@@smileycamel5635I should add that I'm pretty set on getting one. Great for the price, good reliability and the best performance of anything I was able to demo

[@SteegeFish]

These things are really cool and I know a couple people who fish out of them. Biggest draw back for me is the tiny bow storage and how heavy this thing is. It would be close to 200 pound with all my gear on it. Definitely not dragging that up the beach from the gulf lol. i Really like the open deck though. Sad you had so many problems with your 360 I've loved both my pa12 360's. Great review

[@southernsalt]

Yeah man I loved my PA but the 15 warranties in 3 years was a little much lol. I agree about the bow storage though, I’ll take this thing offshore soon hopefully it won’t be too bad lol

[@caleb4015]

@@southernsalt 15 warranties in 3 years?

[@chrishebert3240]

This is awesome! What’s the price range for something like this and where can I order one?

[@southernsalt]

There’s a link in the description that will take you to their website to order, the price is around $4300

[@chrishebert3240]

@@southernsalt thanks!

[@Southalabamaoutdoors]

You have that many issues with the Other yak?

[@seandrake7534]

So the spot lock is a stand alone thing you don’t have to have a fish finder ? The salesman I talked to the other day said you had to run a fish finder to make it work and it had to be hummingbird brand

[@southernsalt]

The person you talked to has no idea what their talking about. You don’t have to have a fish finder at all to run spot lock.

[@seandrake7534]

@@southernsalt how does it know where to stay

[@CheekyChops710]

Why didn’t you go with the 136? Ur thoughts

[@southernsalt]

Too big and heavy for me

[@Fishin-mission1]

That's where I messed up and got 120 sportmans pdl. I wish they would make a drop in motor to the pdl.

[@stevebecker2501]

Get you a Bixpy. I have the 120 PDL also. Bixpy sells a mounting bracket that will fit right in the back and line up with the mounting holes for the Anchor pole. Now, if for some reason the motor malfunctions, lose a prop, battery goes dead, you can still pedal back to the launch

[@southernsalt]

A. I oh or a Torqueedo could be a few good options

[@Fishin-mission1]

@southernsalt I was thinking get the auto pilot and let my wife and kids use the pdl lol I wanna Chinook salmon fish this fall but I'm not trying to pedal into a 5mph current lol. I've even thought about getting the xi3 but the autopilot has many more features than the pdl that would help also. We will see what comes lol keep up the great content

[@Fishin-mission1]

@stevebecker2501 that may be a option also just want the extra features of the auto pilot. Like true hands free fishing.

[@rosskendall22]

@@Fishin-mission1doesn’t look like you will be using this one into a 5 mph current either. 4 mph top speed.

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hello brother how are you doing? Man those are some nice kayak man. I had a few people tell me that I need to get one for my self because of how wide my feet 🦶 are since I can't get a pedal drive kayak. Question you said that you are 290Ib & so am I that awesome We weigh the same man. I am finally under 300Ibs I was Wondering about how tall you was & is it hard to get up when the seat is in the low position & did you have Enough leg space? I don't know how big your feet 🦶 are but did you have Any Problems with Steering control since I know that I have extremely very wide feet 🦶. That was a good review man of your new kayak man I really like that. I am thinking about getting one for my self. Be safe out there brother.

[@southernsalt]

Hey Mack! I’m 5’11” and have zero problems standing r sitting back down. It seems like a very stable kayak for bigger people

[@mackjenkins7721]

@southernsalt That is awesome to hear man. I love my kayak I got now but I would like to upgrade to a bigger kayak since I am a big guys. Thanks you brother. It was good to hear from you brother.

[@southernsalt]

You too brother, good luck out there!

[@nathanankersen4695]

Its crazy to see MDLR rigging up on the way out to the marsh while the autopilot does all the work. Really efficient way to fish imho.

[@southernsalt]

Definitely!!

[@stevehogan8829]

Yep, do it all the time..... Just got to be mindful of not running to the mangroves or oyster beds etc. Time flies when I'm tying knots lol

[@SRH420ful]

outriggers can make even the cheapest kayak or canoe feel like a pontoon boat no rolling feel

[@alpuntodepesca]

Saludos buenísimo amigo 👍

[@kucci8157]

How long does the battery last?

[@southernsalt]

Mine last all day. I have a 110 ah lithium

[@medeiros3610]

I believe this is my next boat. Thanks for the video

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@SCOTTA1]

I'm just trying to buy this Minn kota unit for my kayak. I just want it for the Spot Lock. But so far I don't think you can purchase this trolling motor setup. Let me know if anyone knows how to get it.

[@RichM0410]

Looking forward to watching this! Fairly new to your channel and credibility is high imho👍

[@southernsalt]

Man I really do appreciate that!

[@kenhuynh275]

Man. The grand daddy of kayak. Really cost close to a small boat.

[@raybrdjr]

CAN THE MOTOR BE RAISED OR LOWERED IN THE HULL?

[@southernsalt]

Yes

[@Alsaltyadventures]

Did you wire up your fish finder to the same battery? Or did you run a separate battery for electronics?

[@southernsalt]

Separate battery. I use a Nocqua for fish finder.

[@showme360]

Electric motors are the best! but why don't you use a LFP battery, for size and weight of that acid battery, you can have 3 times the capacity.

[@jamarcigar]

Be honest, what do you enjoy the most? Your Hobie, Autopilot 120, or you Seadoo?

[@southernsalt]

100 percent my Auto Pilot. If I could only do one that would be what I picked.

[@jamarcigar]

@@southernsalt good to know that. I'm going to order that AP 120 this week. I've been following your page for a while and always wanted to know your take because you look happy on all of them. I have a 106 now but I need the AP and spot lock feature!

[@TridentDriver]

Funny you drop this the day before Old Town comes out with something new at icast lol

[@southernsalt]

Yeah that might be horrible timing on my part.

[@johnmcmanus123]

What is the weight of just the kayak alone

[@southernsalt]

I believe 150

[@johnmcmanus123]

@@southernsalt wow thats a heavy kayak

[@j.mimoso4767]

They are sweet looking!

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@cedricbarber3903]

How do I set up a KZbin page I'm I'm buying a 120 autopilot from eco fishing shop in Camdenton and those guys really will work with you but I want to set up me a KZbin page so you guys will see how I achieve my experiences with the 120 pilot I don't have any endorsements or none of that so I'm basically putting a bill myself

[@duderstein]

Where do you live that you don't need hull numbers on a motorized kayak?

[@Southalabamaoutdoors]

He's in Alabama and he was just demo the thing, yes you need them here but he was trying it out

[@Bass_attack7755]

Freedom is where you don't need hull numbers.

[@michaelross5674]

What's price point for one like $2000

[@southernsalt]

Around $4300

[@CozyCamping911]

Do you miss your 360?

[@southernsalt]

Not at all. Best decision I’ve ever made in kayak fishing lol

[@midwestkayakco]

I’m liking this

[@southernsalt]

I’m loving it lol

[@ia6980]

Wheres your Jetsky?

[@tomhiers9025]

How much money is a looks like around $4,000 Maybe

[@stevehogan8829]

yep, that seat is the best.

[@southernsalt]

I agree!

[@smileycamel5635]

Alright Native Watercraft send him a Titan X to review!

[@southernsalt]

🙌 🙌

[@edgars00789]

I just wish I could win this beautiful kayak an old town autopilot kayak so I can complete my mission of saving our beautiful waterways universe

[@kc696969]

Why don't you guys ever talk about the total cost of your et up?

[@southernsalt]

That’s something that is easily searchable using google. I do mention it in most of my videos but sometimes things get left out.

[@bearbuchanan8341]

the one place thay messed up is the motor, for the way it works and were it sits the motor should have been 55pound thrust or more. theres to much stress on a 45 pound thrust,wich burns to much of the battery to fast so the battery dose not last as long as it should.

[@doublec1758]

If you have a 100ah lithium battery you can run all day and never empty the battery. I’ve done this many times in mine without ever having a problem.

[@bearbuchanan8341]

@@doublec1758 yes i have herd it boath ways ,ive all so herd and it makes less stres on the motor with a 55pound or higher motor. i have a bonafide ss127 with a 55pound thrust and im makeing about 4.5 mph with a 100amp dakota .

[@Southalabamaoutdoors]

Just wait for the reveal at I cast this week..

[@doublec1758]

Bro, there’s a speedometer on the remote!🤣 tells you down to the decimal.

[@southernsalt]

I understand lol but I wanted y’all to be able to see what the reading was.

[@doublec1758]

@@southernsalt I gotcha brother. Hey, just want to let you know you are doing a hell of a job. I started watching you and all of a sudden I want to go hit the marsh! I’m a Texas bass guy but I’ve been dedicating some time to the salt as well, in large part because of your videos. Keep up the good work👊🏻

[@iandtexarkana4549]

Inflation also takes a toll on these auto pilots; the 120 was priced at around $3,500 three years ago. Now, they're $4,350 before tax 😮

[@southernsalt]

Yeah every kayak manufacturer I know of has had price increases since 2020

[@CheekyChops710]

Yeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeeyeyyeye

[@southernsalt]

🙌 🙌

[@AnecDote45]

You're a bigger guy? Dang..then what am I?

[@Sometimes7453]

You could buy a nice boat for the price of these things

[@southernsalt]

You haven’t seen the price of boats lately lol

[@NoleYakin]

For the low low price of $6,000.00 🤣 crazy what they'll sell a plastic kayak for

[@southernsalt]

It’s $4300 but yeah kayak prices have skyrocketed but if you consider that Minnkota I-pilots start around $3,000 and this kayak comes equipped and pre rigged for it I think it’s a pretty dang good deal.

[@RickR69]

This is cool tech, but also hilarious. The amount of money fat men will throw at something to avoid just a tiny bit of exercise lol.

[@The7ScottishVikings]

😂right!!!!

[@TaterGrabbinBass]

That’s just a dumb thing to say, this kayak is 100% heard towards fishing. That’s like saying “why buy a car just to avoid a tiny bit of exercise, why don’t you just walk 5 miles to work”. Also how you gonna tell another man how to spend his money, you jealous of his new kayak or was it just one of your feminine outbursts. Let the dude live his life weirdo. 🤡🌎

[@suddenlyfishing]

wow nice video💖💖

[@rcg9573]

Once you put a motor on it and use that as your primary means of propulsion the majority of the time that is no longer a kayak. It's a tiny thermoplastic mini boat being marketed as a kayak. Nothing wrong with being in a tiny thermoplastic mini boat, but that's what it actually is. 🙂