AutoPilot 120 Review, Old Town Sportsman Minn Kota Electric Trolling Motor Kayak

Рет қаралды 35,578

Күн бұрын

Must see video of the Old Town Auto Pilot 120 kayak on the water. In this video I review remote control functions, the electric motor spot-lock feature, battery life, stability, maneuverability, and much more.
Chapters
00:01 Intro
01:03 Battery Type
01:16 Storage Features
02:42 Stability
03:47 Throwing A Cast Net From Kayak
04:23 Maneuverability
04:54 Spot Locked Under Bridge In Rain
05:37 Fishing From Kayak Features Review
07:38 How Long The Battery Lasts
08:41 Remote Control Functions Demonstrations
17:53 Fishing
18:10 Dragging A Bait Bucket Demo
19:10 Personal Opinion Of The Kayak
Look at the Old Town Kayaks Here: bit.ly/oldtown_sportsman_radre...
Everything a person needs to know in order to make a informed decision about weather to get this kayak or not is in this video review. I you are wondering how stable the kayak is, I give an answer. If you want to know how well the kayak stays spot-locked in one location for long periods of time, I demonstrate that. If you need to know how fast does the Old Town Auto Pilot 120 go, there's a section in the video where I test out the speed. I even show you how easy it is to throw a castnet out of this kayak. I also answer the number one question in great detail, how long does the battery last?
There's not another kayak on the market that offers an integrated 45 lb thrust electric motor with spot lock technology. When Old Town contacted me about this kayak, prior to its debut, I was told that it's a game changer. During my first trip out on the water I exclaimed., "it's a game changer." You can see the video of my median voyage here: • Rad Reef is Loaded Wit... Since that first trip out I've been on many fishing adventures and my opinion of the Autopilot 120 hasn't changed. It's still the very best choice for a fishing kayak for those who fish in water deep enough to use an electric motor.
I do plan on doing a one year review of the Old Town Autopilot 120. Please make sure you are subscribed to the channel and have your notifications set to "all".
Installing Fish Finder
• Fish Finder Installati...
Unboxing Video
• Unpacking My New Kayak...

Пікірлер: 118

@blaircox1589 3 жыл бұрын

Old Town, if you see this, add the video to your site as part of the manual/training guide. This has everything I wanted to know about my 136 in the garage you didn't include.

@Calamiti999Fine 3 жыл бұрын

This is the single best review I’ve seen on this kayak.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. You've shared some very encouraging words, thanks.

@blaircox1589 3 жыл бұрын

Of all the videos I've seen so far of the 120 and 136, you are the first to really show stability. The others are clearly trying to move around without rocking the craft at all. Thank you!!!!

@jonespkp 3 жыл бұрын

I've watched several reviews of the Old Town Auto Pilot 120 and this is by far the most in-depth and informative video. Thanks for sharing.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciated hearing you recognized the effort put into making this video. This is an excellent kayak.

@danle746 Жыл бұрын

Wow that is a great kayak! Nice setup and very stable, I will be looking for that one for comparison.

@69Nova396 3 жыл бұрын

Been waiting for months for my 120 AP due to shut downs, back log etc. but mine is on it way! Live Scope, 100ah lithium battery are ready to go and the best part is I am retiring 12-31-20 so many hours on the water in my future! Thanks for the video!!

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

What an awesome retirement gift. I'd add a Chick-fil-A original meal to that and be set! Life is fun-live it!

@charlesmorgan2309 3 жыл бұрын

Great review Jc !! Good luck with your new kayak . Keep catching those fish up !! Thank you !!

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, and for the complement. I have a lot of areas I want to fish with this new kayak for sure.

@hoosierangler210 Жыл бұрын

Saw this kayak at the boat show in St. Pete this weekend. Great review!!!

@rdo6566 3 жыл бұрын

We love out 120 Ap so much I am selling my other kayak to get a 136 AP as well. Our fish finder batter placement is identical but I used some velcro on the battery and hull to ensure it stays put when trailering it. Spot lock is a real game changer for sure!

@Adventures101. 3 жыл бұрын

Wife and I are considering buying two of the autopilot 120s tomorrow trying to watch as many videos as we can yesterday and today and I will say by far you have the best and most thorough video out there Great job thank you

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate Old Town and strive to deliver quality videos when displaying their vessels. I put a lot of thought into planning this one.

@grrriff8839 Жыл бұрын

Great video...thanks for sharing!

@386fishing5 3 жыл бұрын

What a awesome kayak! Nothing like being able to get to the exact spot you want.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

I catch so many more fish since I've started kayak fishing. Thanks for watching Kenny.

@GheenoeLifeLT25 3 жыл бұрын

Best review I’ve seen on the autopilot 120. Mine arrives today. As JC would say, yeah! 👍

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent news! Thanks for sharing.

@MrNorman2U 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome review! Thanks

@stevehogan8829 3 жыл бұрын

Many changes since last week.... I picked my my new Old Town Auto Pilot 120 from a dealer not far away. Got it in the mancave wiring up the FPV Battery and testing out the iPilot... Should get my Malone cart this coming week... No Rack for the van yet... I'll get that done this coming week. Once I get the Malone cart i can pull it to the pond down the street and get used to it in a calm, protected pond Once I get the roof rack installed I'm off to the the saltwater. JC Thanks so much for all the vids. It's because of you first of all and then MDLR fishing also that I now own a Kayak. Thanks so much. In addition to the entertainment value of the vids, the information you provided for Old Town and the Sportsman line of Kayaks has been invaluable. I've had several calls to Old Town. They have always be extremely helpful. Let me know if you want to use me as a recommendation or to sing your praises at Old Town. Thanks.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to tell your story! Any mention of the channel to anyone is always a big help. Thanks for watching.

@David-ly8ez 3 жыл бұрын

Good information and video as always!

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching David, greatly appreciated.

@stevestory8483 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent review JC

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

@joecouch3312 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you!!

@davidcrowson4745 3 жыл бұрын

Great review 👍

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, greatly appreciated.

@stevehogan8829 3 жыл бұрын

haha such good advice JC. I've about slung myself out of the yack 3 or 4 times now getting used to the motor and remote .So far so good but several close calls. Dropped a brand new rod and reel and almost reached too far trying to grab it. Would have been a COLD first dunking.... I was able to snag it and get it back.. Took a minute though. So JC,,, that Spot Lock Jog sounds like a cool option. I've had lots of times I need that but by the time I tried to move just a bit I ended up on down the road. lo... I'm hheavier than you tipping about 220. I can hit about 3.5 withoutt wind or current.

@christophenaal3338 3 жыл бұрын

Super movie thank you !!!!

@idontkare20011 3 жыл бұрын

Thee Best Review thank you

@booberry6715 3 жыл бұрын

What a great, enthusiastic, and thorough review. Well done, sir! +1!

@stevehogan8829 3 жыл бұрын

Hey JC... I've been out about 6 or 7 times now in my 120 AutoPilot.. Love it more every trip. This past week had me out in some 15 to 20 mph winds. Had some issues with oyster bars and shallow water but came out OK. Was glad that I had a push pole with me... Winds made paddling impossible. Push pole allowed me to get off oyster bar and get deep enough to use the Minn Kota. wasn't payiing attention but got out OK. Still lots to learn but launching and loading is easier every time.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. It's sounds like you got to know the landscape of the area all to well. Yeah, now that I have a routine down for launching and loading the process goes smoother for sure. Did you catch any fish?

@stevehogan8829 3 жыл бұрын

Hey JC.... I feel the wind...lol ... Nice load of bait...Dang it JC.... Thanks for these videos. I'm in the waiting period for my 106 Sportsman Powered by Minn Kota.. Ordered in Sept. will be here Feb 15th. or so. Man, you are making me with that the 106 powerd by MK had the spot lock but it does not.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. What if you contact Old Town and see if you can get the AutoPilot 120 instead? I mean it sounds like you're 106 isn't manufactured yet, right?

@jhill6033 Жыл бұрын

man I have the ascend 133 and I have a 80 thrust ulterra on a quick disconnect. I dont even know how fast it go's but its fast. The things I dont like about the set up is the Kayak is heavy and my trolling motor shaft is long and come close to the seat and it 24v! So I have to have two batteries to operate it but its super stable, very fast , Big and roomy and the trolling motor is telescopic. I just love the Old Town AP because its compact and the trolling motor system is top notch and I think im sold.

@WallyOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

JC you forgot to put the unboxing vid up at the end.. Cool review bro.. I hope to upgrade from my Predator soon..

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me know. A slight error on my part. I'll get it trimmed and put those vids in there.

@WallyOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

@@RadReelingFishing No worries bro.. Just looking out for a fellow content creator. Love the vids man..

@frankjr.1999 3 жыл бұрын

Best review ever. Where can i buy one and how many dollars?

@RyanSmith-fb8rf 3 жыл бұрын

Which of the Old Town kayaks is your favorite ? I’m going to buy one this weekend and can’t decide which Minnkota model I would like best. Thanks for the incredible video

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Without hesitation the AutoPilot 120.

@richardgreene5119 Жыл бұрын

So, two years later, more technological improvements from competitors.........where are you at in your recommendations for 2023? Awaiting your reply as I subscribed to your conviction & knowledge. Well done, Dr. Rad!

@RadReelingFishing Жыл бұрын

AutoPilot is still my favorite choice. It's an incredible fishing machine. The only thing I dislike is that it has so many electrical connections to trouble shoot if the remote control says "Motor Not Found". Other than that it's my #1 choice for sure!

@niraj1975 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative thanks just got my 106 and getting ready to use it. Is this somewhere in FL?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome news on the kayak, yay! I don't reveal city locations, but yes my videos are made in south Florida.

@RyanRed13 3 жыл бұрын

Great video thanks! what length of paddle do you use or recommend for this autopilot?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

This is my favorite paddle: amzn.to/3eD9CPk I honestly don't know what the length is though. Thanks for watching.

@bogaload1 3 жыл бұрын

Hey JC I'm new to the channel Great videos!! Can i ask where r you fishing from in florida?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

SW side. I don't reveal exact locations 99% of the time out of respect for local anglers. There's way too many people fishing for great locations on KZfaq. It's the new way of finding awesome fishing spots. Thanks for asking though.

@davidalford7165 Жыл бұрын

Hey bud love you videos keep it up . I have a question only you can answer lol . I have an old town predator MK similar to what you had in the pedal model. I know the old town auto pilot 120 or 136 advantages as far as auto pilot goes which I love I know it’s better than what I have. But my specific question goes to. I do a lot of fishing offshore in the bays where I live in Louisiana and the water kicks up when the wind starts with the MK whole design is very stable and cuts through the waves with no problem. So my question is when you compare that to the MK versus the auto pilot as far as for stability and whole design of going through the waves, do you see any difference between the two? I know the motor difference is probably about the same as far as for strength of the motor or you might want to add something on that also and I know the auto pilot can give you some awesome spot lock advantages. So your experience with the two on the specific question would be much appreciated as I am. I am thinking about moving to the auto pilot but don’t want to lose any stability in rough water. Thanks.

@RadReelingFishing Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting. First off, I always say that stability is relative to the operator's ability to balance. The AutoPilot hull is a lot more stable than the Predator PDL hull that I've used. If I lean too far in the Predator I'm flipping guaranteed. The AutoPilot won't flip when I lean out to the side. The W hull on the AutoPilot makes it nearly impossible to flip. The Predator hull is designed to cut through the water with less resistance than the AutoPilot hull design, but the AutoPilot just seems to roll over the peaks of the waves very well. Just like stability, navigating in rough water is relative to the user's abilities. I hope that helps.

@nevadacrawler7757 2 жыл бұрын

im buying one of those and one to tow on the surf cuz i got a lot of stuff

@motivatedconor4352 3 жыл бұрын

JC is the G.O.A.T.!!!

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Okay, you lured me in. What does that stand for?

@motivatedconor4352 3 жыл бұрын

@@RadReelingFishing Greatest Of All Time!!!

@RenfrowBirchfield 3 жыл бұрын

So I love this kayak and the spot lock which I have been using on my bass boat since MinKota first introduced the ultrex. My question is which would be easier for a dual purpose kayak. I have big lakes I fish but I also would want to pull the trolling motor out to fish really small shallow rivers. 106MK or 120Auto?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Hands down, the AutoPilot 120 is the better choice because the electric motor is so much more advanced than the 106 Powered By Minn Kota. I also think with the extra length of the 120 it will be a little easier to maneuver when not using the trolling motor. Also the additional length makes the kayak easier to move around because you have more leverage. Both hulls are pretty hefty though; they were designed to be primarily used with the electric motor, but as you know can be paddled. You might consider eventually purchasing a 2nd kayak for paddling around in the shallow river all day long. I still have a Predator PDL because there are places where fishing with the pedal drive is better than using the AutoPilot 120. The Predator is lightweight and fast too!

@jeffreydunglam2919 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, do we need to add Minn Kota heading bluetooth sensor to get more spot lock precision ? Thx for your advise. Very best.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

There's a section in the video where I mention what I know about the heading sensor, that's all I know. Thanks.

@user-bn9nf4uo9o 3 жыл бұрын

Hello JC, how do you think someone with a bad back would feel in the auto pilot 120? Would it be a good choice or better to pass on this kayak? Thank you

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm not qualified to answer this question, thanks.

@rickhale6396 3 жыл бұрын

How hard is to load and unload ? Good video, I getting one after the first o f the year

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

It's not difficult. The beginning of this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lalhptJ7rrTWiYk.html shows how I load it. Thanks for watching.

@goonch7956 3 жыл бұрын

Have you considered lithium iron phosphate batteries for trolling motors? They are expensive but the weight and lifespan, might make it a game changer.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

I have. Thanks for the tips.

@DanTheFishMan Жыл бұрын

Thinking about pulling the trigger

@RadReelingFishing Жыл бұрын

Hey Dan, thanks for watching and commenting. I'm selling a kayak, just sent you an email.

@DanTheFishMan Жыл бұрын

@@RadReelingFishing thanks for thinking of me jc!🤙

@georgekobitzsr7032 3 жыл бұрын

the blue shoes you're wearing, ... who makes them or where did you get them ? are they comfy or just tolerate them ? looking for a good pair water shoes that are super comfy for all day on water.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Here's the link: amzn.to/3dAq2G0 I like them because the have thick soles for protection. The downfall is the mesh lets in a lot of sand in sandy areas on dry land.

@regularsoutherndad1637 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry if you have already answered this question but about how much have you invested in this rig you reviewed today? Just to give us an idea?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Southern Dad! I've never added everything up....get your price here: bit.ly/oldtown_sportsman_radreeling you will also need a paddle, life jacket and battery. Then you will be set to go. Thanks for watching.

@adamgibson5700 3 жыл бұрын

How much is this any chance of selling this at par Canada 🇨🇦 would love this

@macbenzo1677 3 жыл бұрын

Do you transport Old Town Auto Pilot 120 myself. I have a 2009 Jeep Liberty the length of the Kayak being 12 feet was kind of concerning.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

I handle the 120 Autopilot kayak by myself all the time. I car top it, but I'm in good shape from doing construction work all of my life. Here's a time-marked video of me loading the yak on my car: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eaiInql0zOC8eZs.html The front of the kayak is heavy.

@elliotthiessen7492 3 жыл бұрын

You should be able to use Advanced Autopilot without the heading sensor. Go to Options > Autopilot Mode and choose Advanced Autopilot instead of Legacy Autopilot. This is how it is on the Minn Kota PowerDrive (has same head unit and remote control as the AP120) on my skiff without the heading sensor. Minn Kota has always said that all the heading sensor does is give you the spot lock jog feature.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting. The "heading sensor" is for improved GPS accuracy for "spot Lock Jog" and for "advanced autopilot." This video is time marked for you: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oZikpqyD1Zivdp8.html

@elliotthiessen7492 3 жыл бұрын

@@RadReelingFishing Yea I saw that video I think the Old Town guy is mistaken. Test it out the next time you go out, thanks.

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

@@elliotthiessen7492 The manual info for the "heading sensor" also says: "The Minn Kota Heading Sensor provides boat heading information to a Bluetooth compatible I-pilot equipped Minn Kota motor. It contains a compass that senses the boat's heading." Without the heading sensor the motor only knows which direction the motor is pointing. With the heading sensor the motor knows which way the boat is pointing. This improves the accuracy.

@elliotthiessen7492 3 жыл бұрын

@@RadReelingFishing Yea the manual has always said that. Everybody still has Advanced Autopilot on their boats with a PowerDrive/Ultrex/Ulterra/Terrova (2017+ models at least) even without the heading sensor. I've used it for 2 years on my boat without a heading sensor. You should just test it .

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

@@elliotthiessen7492 Thanks for commenting. The motor doesn't know where the rear of the boat is without the heading sensor. It makes sense to me that the heading sensor "improves accuracy." Thanks for encouraging me to give it a try without the heading sensor though.

@pa1264 Жыл бұрын

Wish they were cheaper here in Australia😁

@1FishinAddict 3 жыл бұрын

One question JC, after you have registered the kayak, do you still have to pay annual property tax based on its value in January ?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

The kayak is listed as a business asset in my accounting.

@malikiezomanu6481 3 жыл бұрын

Kayaks don’t have to be registered or insured.

@Greg-js1lv 3 жыл бұрын

can you add a small stadium chair in the rear for a 5 year old?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for asking. I can't answer that, sorry.

@kellyzabriskie7332 2 жыл бұрын

What is the home button for on the remote control?

@RadReelingFishing 2 жыл бұрын

You'll find the functions in this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oZikpqyD1Zivdp8.html

@ManFromNowhere89 3 жыл бұрын

How does the battery work? Do u have to charge it everytime u go out

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I recharge before every fishing trip

@davidalley7270 3 жыл бұрын

Can you use the remote to drive the old town up on a trailer?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

@shakes1227 3 жыл бұрын

How comfortable is the seat?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

It's fine for what it is, nice and tight and it's very adjustable, the height adjusts (has two positions) and you can tilt the back with ease to whatever angle you desire. Thanks for watching.

@rubenakacoolerlid2314 3 жыл бұрын

I pick mine up Tuesday, what size paddle do you suggest for it?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Magic Angler: amzn.to/3lZn41i 250 or 260 cm size. I like the longer paddles so I don't get wet.

@JoseEspinoza-vr4pm 3 жыл бұрын

Man how much is your whole set up because I would love to get one

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

He there Jose, I've never added everything up....get your price here: bit.ly/oldtown_sportsman_radreeling you will also need a paddle, life jacket and battery. Then you will be set to go. Thanks for watching.

@JoseEspinoza-vr4pm 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks jc

@unclejun84 3 жыл бұрын

Have you ever Encounter a shark bigger than your Kayak, I’m just curious, because I want to get one but terrified about jaws

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

I encountered a Bull Shark about 8' long that was very tame. Here's the video cued to the encounter with several sharks: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bKh6fcqiksqohXk.html

@unclejun84 3 жыл бұрын

@@RadReelingFishing holy crap....that epics

@rafaelmagana6823 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry I have a question what is the price for this thing

@RadReelingFishing 2 жыл бұрын

You can research your options here: bit.ly/oldtown_sportsman_radreeling Thanks for watching.

@fooballyou 3 жыл бұрын

Gusting winds.......LET'S GO OUT IN THE KAYAK!!! Ha!!!

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, let's go fishing! Ha ha...Thanks for watching.

@chuckspencer2703 3 жыл бұрын

Why two batteries? Why couldn’t you just hook up your fish finder to the trolling motor battery?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I didn't wire the kayak that way.

@davidalley7270 3 жыл бұрын

What if, God forbid your battery dies or your trolling motor goes out, can you paddle that beast?

@RadReelingFishing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. Thank goodness I haven't had a breakdown. It can be paddled, but would be tough in current and wind for sure. I saw a guy recently do a review of the AutoPilot 136. He purchased a towing plan in case he breaks down. It wasn't Sea Tow though, can't remember the name of the company.