Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Walkthrough: Intuitive Design Meets Ultimate Kayak Fishing Versatility
Florida Sportsman Executive Editor Jeff Weakley covers the features and benefits of the Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 in this walkthrough video.
IDEAL APPLICATION: Any water body where you might wish to cover lots of ground, haul a lot of fishing tackle, and spend several hours out there. Freshwater lakes, big rivers, saltwater bays, the open ocean—this kayak is built for comfort and confident handling of waves, currents and winds. The hands-free PDL drive offers smooth, efficient propulsion. The BigWater is also a “standout” among “standups:” at 36 inches wide with a tri-hull configuration, it’s extremely stable, and with the high seat, easy to stand up and fish. At the same time, under propulsion it cuts waves and gently accommodates quartering or beam swells.
OVERVIEW: A proven performer in the Old Town Sportsman lineup, this is a big boat that feels nimble and quick powered by the company’s innovative PDL propeller drive. The pedal stroke is rotational, intuitive and much like a recumbent bicycle. If you want to reverse, you simply backpedal. The PDL unit, with a 5-year warranty, is a complete piece which may be removed for storage, or tilted forward while beaching the boat; it also floats. The BigWater is loaded to the gills with fishing conveniences exhibiting the company’s noteworthy attention to the advice of hardcore anglers. There are pre-installed fittings for mounting a shallow water anchor, non-slip EVA deck pads, and a universal transducer mount—all features once in the DIY domain, but now standard on the BigWater. The seat is comfortable and easily adjusted for your preferred pedal stroke length by lifting a tab and sliding fore or aft on a shuttle track. Gear management is also a strong suit, with sealed dry storage forward and under the seat and a large stern tankwell.
NOTABLE: Nice to see a built-tough hull (lifetime warranty!) come with equally durable components and accessories. From the molded bow lifting grip to the rugged rudder, you get the sense the BigWater was put together by folks who want to use it. Stock rodholders on kayaks, for instance, are sometimes located in weird places and don’t seem to properly grip rods. The twin aft-facing BigWater rodholders are just where they should be for trolling or carrying, and the forward-facing single holder is right where you’d want it if you’re keeping a rod close for spot casting. You can easily add more rodholders, or whatever else you might envision, via built-in track mounts on either side of the boat, both fore and aft. MSRP $3,249.99
- LENGTH: 13’ 2”
- WIDTH: 36”
- WEIGHT: 122 LBS. ASSEMBLED, 95 LBS. W/SEAT AND DRIVE REMOVED
- USABLE WEIGHT CAPACITY: 378 LBS.
- PROPULSION: PDL PEDAL DRIVE, PADDLE
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