I miss the days on KZfaq where people gave honest reviews about products. I’ve seen a lot of videos on the autopilot and you can definitely tell who got one for free and who is holding back trying to get noticed. It’s refreshing to hear an honest review from someone that just wants to fish the most efficient way possible. I have to admit you had me rethinking my order till you got to the part who this kayak is for, the story about the couple that take them out together is where my wife and I fit. Keep doing you Man, love the videos. FYI I see those seat risers on there lol. 👍🥃🇺🇸

No matter how you feel about this review, this kid is spot on!!! Old town should be hiring him for manager of product and development for them!!! Period!!! If i owned old town, I'd be making this kid an offer he couldn't refuse!!!!! A realistic review is priceless!!!!! People get so caught up in branding and labels!!! This is the best real world review I've seen on this channel, in a long time!!!! Keep up the good work brother!!! I'll give old town my hard earned money when they fix the bad design quirks, you've mentioned.

I know I'm late to the party but I find this review very refreshing and informative. The flaws you've pointed out are problems that should've been detected during the product development and test phase of the kayak and I hope that Old Town has taken to heart your comments. Old Town is still high on my list of contenders for a new kayak but I'll be sure to take a good look at whichever kayak I end up choosing to see if they've incorporated the changes you suggested. Thanks.

I think this is a great, informative video. I just recently purchased the OT AP 136, but I wish I had seen this review before. You bring up a lot of interesting points. Since this was posted almost 2 years ago, I am hoping that Old Town used this as a way to make a better product for the consumer. I am a 70 year old mother of 7, and grandmother of 16. I spent most of my yearly allowance for this boat, and I am hoping that I won't be facing a lot of the issues that you talked about! I fish mainly on local lakes that are relatively small, so big waves will not be part of my daily fishing experience. I do fish 5/6 days a week, and the winds come up every day in the afternoon. Anyway, I am rambling on now, but again, I want to thank you for this video. I have watched a lot of your videos, and what I get from that is that you are passionate about developing good products that make our fishing experience a better one....thank you.

I appreciate your honest opinion. I was looking into a few different brands. This helps quite a bit. Very valid points you have.

Thank you for your honesty. Never compromise your values.

Old Town should value this review more than any other positive review

"Fishablity" ....I'm not about marketing, I'm a fisherman...I'm about catching fish." Love it! Two thumbs up my man.

Appreciate the honest review. All the amazing videos had me drooling but yours put me back on earth. Thanks again & tight lines.

Your bass fishing comments at the end were hysterical and so spot on 😂😂😂 One of the best and most honest reviews of anything I have ever watched on KZfaq. Keep it up man.

Great review man! You nailed it. You are asking very simple questions to the design team... and you did it in a calm, professional and honest way. I drive ships, and this reminds me when we, as operators of the navigation equipment are introduced with new navigation systems clearly designed by computer geeks who never sat in a conning chair... frustrating.

Some great points. Some silly as well. The cup holder holding water was my fav. Lets hope all the fish are not wet that you bring out of the water. I just started fishing Reds. No issues. Spot lock is not for "haulin' ass" and slamming into spot lock (glide, take your time). Water in the bow was not an issue until goimg into rougher water so.... Old Town offers half size scupper hole one way plugs and guess what, no water. Seat was a bit off but you guys sold me the risers. PERFECT NOW. I purchased this Kayak for freah water and to get where the Bass Trackers can't. I also made the purchase becuse $4000 is a great deal especially concidering it has an excellent trolling motor incorporated into the boat. Love, love, love this Kayak. Pin has yet to show any corrosion but hey, I sprayed it just in case. I belive if I ever do break a shear pin... I better have a prop as well. The motor is built so well I seriously doubt the pin ever shearing. I have plowed throuh lilly pads with no issues. Oh, i also got your floating wing nut. Two to be exact. Nice job again. Tracks in the back are for storage and tie downs. (lost of people like the Go Pro option) i am able to secure my crate, small cooler and live well and still have space for dry clothing/frog suit in case rain hits. If you don't have the money I get it, it's easy to jump on board with the negatives. Like all things, you can make adjustments and make the Autopilot a great experience. No Kayak is perfect but man, the one I have is just a soid, well built Kayak. Thanks for all your videos and keep on keepong on.

I like that you’re so unbiased. Keep it up.

I am so glad you had the honesty of calling it like it is. An overpriced and extremely heavy kayak that is not for offshore fishing applications. Thanks for your honest and unbiased review. Two thumbs up. 👍👍

I have 2 old town kayaks , the same one you commented on and I love the kayaks but agree 100% with you on what’s needs to be improved !

Thanks for your honesty. We’ve been researching which fishing kayak to buy and this kayak is a lot of money. You’ve given us some good points to think about. Thanks.

Awesome review. Nice to see an honest review instead of all the sponsored videos I see with others.

Thanks Nick, Spot On "Call em like you See em" Brother, We all Appreciate !

Thank you for the honesty. Every observation you presented is very visible in other videos. Old Town should thank you. I going to buy from another manufacturer. Thanks again.

Your honest opinion is why we respect you. Don’t stop doing you

Great video brother. Thanks for pointing out different issues. Like you said it definitely has its place and was built for a specific purpose. Like always we all enjoy honest reviews. keep up the hard work.

Thanks Nick, For pointing the things i did not see for myself great walk through!!

I just purchased my first kayak, a 2019 Predator MK. I really like the built in motor concept and figured I would use it for a year or two to make sure I like kayak fishing. I was then going to buy a brand new Autopilot. Every video I’ve watched say that it’s the best thing since sliced bread! Thanks for keeping it real and pointing out some definite concerns. Maybe they’ll make some improvements in a couple years. Thanks again for an honest review!!!! You have a new subscriber.

Thanks for your honesty, explanations, and effort to help others with this video. Well done. 👍

I really appreciate your thoughts on this kayak. You totally put some things into perspective that I hadn't even considered and in the process, saved me 4 grand! Thanks for the honest review, Oldtown should give you a job! Greetings from Germany! 👍🍻

Really appreciate the thought out realistic review you did on this kayak. No reason to argue with the facts. Points well taken. I did get the Sportsman MK 106, lighter weight and for my particular use at my age of 70 the MK makes a great help to me to get out and back. Have had number of paddle kayaks and Native peddle kayak but issues arose with leg and hip issues to peddle so much. Keep up the good info.

Thanks for the honest opinion. Opened my eyes to a few defaults that I didn't see.

I appreciate your integrity, telling it like it is. My fishing style is kinda like yours: surf launches, offshore, big game. So I would never get this kayak. However, if I ever go back to bass fishing, this would be my kayak. Not interested in getting a bass boat, but this would be perfect for my needs.

Good honest review & hope they appreciate some of the points you make, ie access for safely bilge pumping.

I appreciate honest reviews like this. So many reviews are "it's great" without any explanation of why it's great. Often it's because they spent their money on it and want to believe it's great, or they are compensated to endorse the product. In this video you mention a problem, and explain why it's a problem. Like how the seat interferes with the opening of the waterproof compartment hatch. That's real, that's useful. Water collects in front of the seat because it isn't sloped towards the scupper holes. Again, something worth knowing. In aggregate, it seems like this kayak wasn't as well thought out as it should be. Hopefully the next generation will address some of the short comings.

Awesome review! From a strictly bass fisherman standpoint, I agree 100% with all your points. Especially agree with the hand remote. I enjoy fishing docks... most annoying thing is having a fish drag you under/into a dock with no instant reverse and needing to drop one hand just to paddle backwards.

Thanks for the confirmation to info I got from a local owner. He had the same complaints as you presented here. Saved me some $$$$.

Nick. Like many others have stated, it is soooo refreshing to get an honest review from somebody on ANY product. I own a 2014 Hobie PA14. I am primarily a big water (Lake Fork/Chicamauga/Guntersville) fisherman. I, like probably many fishermen, saw this new spot lock gimmick and said, “Well, that’s cool!” But anyone forking out $4k for a yak, should be getting a Cadillac product. When I paid $2999 for my Hobie back in 2014, my wife nearly crapped herself. But the PA14 is a quality fishing platform that has stood the test of time and provided me with many, many safe and comfortable fishing hours. That said, I don’t know if I would pay the $4999 for the new PA14. The prices of yaks have gone through the roof with the rising popularity of yak fishing. I’m glad you had the principals and honesty to provide folks with a God Honest review that will possibly keep them from having to experience that crappy buyer’s remorse that many of us have experienced through the years.

Do your research before buying. Excellent review that points out some of the issues you want to know about when researching a purchase of such value.

Extremely good points and I love the honesty.

This just makes my decision to go with my Sportsman 120 PDL's...thanks for your honesty Nick. I am loving the versatility of our PDL boats and have picked up numerous items from your website also...Sparky's Outdoor Adventures is going to stick with PDL's which our clientele have been very impressed with...it saves us $$$ since we don't have to register the boats which would have been the case if we went with autopilots...although that darn 120 AP had me close to pulling the trigger as my lead guide boat.

THANK YOU for being a straight shooter and giving an honest opinion. The kayak fishing industry is full of people who do the exact opposite.

Thank you for your honest opinion I was thinking about buying one but I think I will wait to see if they do some improvements on it

Wow glad I ran across this video! You just saved me a chunk of money. I didn't really think about all this. Thanks

I am almost purchased the Autopilot and after watching this it was a “no brainer” to go with the Big Water PDL for for the fishing I want to do! Thank you! A very solid, informative video that allows people to truly decide if this model is best for them without the smoke screen of marketing!

you, sir, just saved me 4k. I was in the market and ready to pull the trigger. Will go with a Predator PDL or back to Hobie Outback with a trolling motor. Much appreciate your honesty. From Maine.

Thank you for the honest opinion.

I have this Kayak and I'm not mad at you. Can't really argue with the points you made. I'd rather hear your honest thoughts than " Yes, Old Town did send me this Kayak for free to review but I am going to give my honest thoughts...and I love it!" For 5K....most people will say those three words. I appreciate the honest review.

I’d rather have honesty, than appeasing to a company. Thanks for the honesty

Man, this is a REALLY good review. It seems almost shocking to find a completely honest review! Just found your channel today and I liked this video so much I smashed that subscribe button 😀

You have my respect. Everything you pointed out was spot on.

I have one. I paid the full 4300 for it. Standing fishing is the only amazing part about it. Spotlock isnt really five feet and its slow as dirt. I almost wish I would have gotten a Hobie 360.

A pretty popular youtube fisherman here in the North Texas coast is a big fan of these and was one of those first people they called in to test them. He really raves about the 120 Autopilot so much that he sold his 2019 outback because this fishing platform suited his needs. After he had been fishing on it for a couple of months I got a chance to see it close up and just give it a quick inspection. And just like you mentioned that tool was rusted, the harness on the minn kota mount was rusted, screws were already rusting, and top speed was only about 3-3.5 miles an hour. I love the convenience of not having to paddle and the spotlock is great but if you get hooked up you have to stop to put it on. It spins in circles with the wind or a bull red takes you for a ride. And then its the extra weight of the battery. IDK, it just seems for the price point they have some work to do....ijs

I believe you single handedly just convinced me to keep saving for the PA14.... Great points and awesome video..!!!

MANY VALID MINOR AND MAJOR CRITICALLY IMPORTANT CONCERNS, especially considering the cost of this kayak !

Great points from someone who’s actually fished out of one. It sounds like the 106 MK may be the better buy in regard to their MK offerings. Comparing both current builds at least... No autopilot on the 106 but same 45 lb thrust mk with less moving parts, easier operation and a true front hatch. This is a good example of why one might skip a 1st gen production of something. Let them work out the kinks and wait for the 2nd gen Man, TY for this. 👍🏻

Glad to hear an honest opinion.

Thanks for your honesty

Thank you so much for such a thorough review and most importantly for an honest opinion. I was about to order this model, based on many other raving reviews. I now have to re-evaluate and take a much deeper look. Doesn't mean I will not order, but this is very helpful! I like the company and their creativity and groundbreaking features, but not at the cost of my safety. Again thank you! Subscribed :)

I have relocated. I miss watching you guys launch off the beach on my morning walks. When I paddle back to shore through the surf, I try to find an outflow so I can stay in flatter water and not get pushed from behind and turned. It does take some power and speed to succeed.

I'm glad you at least point out the negatives so people can make their own decisions as to whether this kayak is something that can serve their purpose. A lot of reviewers just fluff everything. It's a lot money for a kayak and it would be nice to be perfect but reality is none are perfect.

I hope old town fixes most of these issues soon, because it's a really nice kayka and I want to get one

Glad to hear an honest opinion and not one that was based on how much free merchandise or sponsorships someone received.

Thanks for the insights on saltwater fishing with the autopilot feature.

Thank you for an unbiased opinion, that means a lot these days. After you start pointing stuff out I am like yeah, this kayak is really not designed for the fisherman. In California you would have to register it and pay that every year as well, another reason I like pedal drives.

Finally someone was honest about the paddling efficiency (like trying to paddle a barge). Had the cash money ready but will spend it on something else.

Great video, honest video, we needs more videos like this one. Really helpful. God bless you!

Thank you sir for your honest review. We need more honest reviews on YT instead of companies giving away free product in exchange for reviews that create marketing hype. I am hoping OT will design a motor to drop in the PDL drive hole that way we don’t have to buy a new kayak to have an electric motor.

Good honest review.. most reviews out there they got the yak for free.. glad I watched this

Great insight! You could have saved someone a lot of money. I know it definitely opened my eyes. You have to get passed all the glitz and glamour sometimes and get down to the basics. Thanks, Budd. Tight lines.

You are so right about everything, I think they should have kept the flagship Predator PDL and focused on redesigning the back to add a Minnkota. Many guys have done a great job customizing a hand controlled MinnKota to fit the back of kayaks controlled with foot peddles, that would have been useful for those long treks to your fishing hole. But I would not want to give up the control and stealth of my PDL, having both options would have made a great fishing kayak. They missed the boat on this one.

I very much appreciate your run down of this kayak I was looking at getting one but like you I fish the gulf in Navarre fl and I have the old Town predator so very much appreciated the run down thanks

I just bought this kayak, and even after 4 years, this review is spot on. Storage sucks. You can't access the hull to pump out water if you sprung a leak. At full flank, the kayak is pretty slow. And you don't have the flexibility of the PDL 120. WOuld I take this offshore, no. Do I regret my purchase, no.... but I would have thought that over the 4 years OT would have made some improvements to this hull given what was said here. These are low hanging fruit improvements that are long overdue.

I was skeptical about buying the autopilot after this review. However, after fishing out of it a few times I find this critique to be rather nitpicky. Of course it’s not perfect, but the Thing is awesome, especially fishing in current around structure the spot lock is amazing. I’ve hooked several large jacks and had no problem operating the remote and finessing them. Hobies are pretty heavy too, it’s a kayak, you’re going to get wet. Battery life is really good 90amp hour battery had me out there for 10 hours leaving me with 50% , motor was running most of the time on level 5 and spot lock. I can stand up and throw a cast net no problem especially with spot lock. I transport this car top on a Jeep cherokee and use a strap kayak cart to wheel it to a launch. I predominately do inshore nearshore fishing in south Florida.

Thanks for a honest review, I use the Predator PDL myself for the reasons you mentioned, but I’m sure there is a market for this type of kayak. Way to heavy for me as I fish alone, the Predator PDL is enough to handle for a 66 year old, but with some ingenuity it works for me. Thanks for all your videos. God Bless

Maybe they will use your constructive thoughts about it and make the next run better. Thanks for the great and honest review.

I was "Nearly Sold" on buying this Kayak from a Dealer, but NOW I have reservations...! I already have 3 other kayaks, including a Native Watercraft Titan (Peddle Drive), and this would be my 4th Fishing Kayak. After watching your video, I DO have lots of "Reservations"...! Thank you So Much, for an Honest Review.

Thank you Nick for sticking with your opinions! Great good. and bad review!

Great real life review. As they say, every boat is a series of compromises. I think you clearly say what it’s probably good for and what it isn’t good for.

Thank you for a honest review I have been looking at that kayak for the money I think I’m just gonna go with a bass boat

i was at my dealer the other day and was looking a this exact model, color and everything, on the show room and noticed the hatch next to the seat wouldn't open. i looked over at the guy who works there and just shrugged. the kayak is a cool idea that serves a niche market. i'll be real impressed when they make a hybrid electric/pdl model

Thank you for this video. I was actually interested in one of these. I will stick with my hobie outback. I would still demo one, but the outback seems way better for saltwater fishing

Awesome video...I really enjoy your channel...your opinions in my thoughts are this..they are extremely well thought out and I respect the things that you point out..this gives me knowledge and I suck in all the knowledge that I can get since I am a rookie in a kayak...the information that you offer is extremely good for me and I do appreciate and respect the advice and the knowledge that you provide...those opinions could help save my life on the water...so if someone people can't handle it sorry about their luck..your awesome dude and I love your channel and deeply respect your opinions..keep them coming I'm all in...keep your lines tight and catch those monsters..thanks dude...

Great video I appreciate your honest opinion. Thanks 🙏

I ordered one but my primary use for it will be trolling. For trolling i think its going to be an improvement over pedal drive. If i ever get it! Ordered in march. Your comments about the square back end do worry me about fishing big water. When those big rollers start pushing on your back end going with a following sea it might push you around

Writing a comment after , no comment for 10 month ?... not sure has value , though couldn't resist not to. I DON"T owe a kayak of any sorts. Honestly , I kayaked ( Is this a word ?) ONCE in my lifetime, and I'm not young. Why . Im writing a comment, then ? Not knowing anything about kayaks. Because, Your review taught me more than reading a textbook about kayaks. I enjoyed the tone of it. No fake acting .Basic , genuine observations from a guy that knows what he is talking about . Very constructive criticism . I may buy a kayak after I watch more of your reviews, Who knows? So ' I'll visit again Excellent job, Congratulations, from a NON KAYAKER

Thank you for your opinion

Thank you for saying it brother!

Great review!! I am so happy I watched it the 12’ version was on my list as a new kayak choice, not anymore I will probably go for a Hobie PA12

I'm a new owner of an Autopilot 136 and your comments are spot on. Most of my complaints revolve around the motor. The mechanism for deployment is difficult to deploy and often will not retract without multiple attempts. The "washer" that retains one of the four shafts that secure the motor fell off with the first use. Two of the four shafts have snap rings and they should have utilized them on all four. There is a lot of slop in the mechanism and the left side of the chassis that the deployment rope connects to sits lower on the side the rope attaches creating binding of the pivot ball. Spot lock is a great concept but at times seems confused and chases its tail in a no wind situation. When disengaging Spot lock the motor turns to some random position sometimes requiring it be turned 180° to move forward. Using the controller at night requires a light to see the motor position. The tracks are useable but should be more substantial. The area behind the seat should have track as well. The battery box is is a pain to remove and it would have been so easy to include a mounted plug to connect a charger. Better yet, it should have included a 150 ah Lithium battery system optimized for the boat. Add a power buss up front to power fish finders. They have provided a hole for the transducer cable and a transducer mount. Why not give me a way to power it? I would say they cut too many corners. By far, the weakest link is the motor deployment mechanism. From the rope to the slop in the motor frame. I fear it will not stand the test of time! I also have a 106 and the throttle mechanism is easier to fish. The three retaining disks that lock the motor in place will not last. They are already showing looseness. The motor pivot shaft should been another inch longer. Looking forward to a trip to Florida to fish with you!

Thanks. Just the information I was looking for.

Thanks Nick for your honest opinion. I think OT needs your expertise in designing a fishing kayak. It’s really great to have someone with your experience that’s willing to share it. Be safe! Charley Fortier

T hanks for your honest opinion, I was looking at buying one. But i would be using it for bass fishing.

Nice rundown and thank you for the truth. 👍👍

I know this is an old video but its worth saying anyway - thanks for the real world review. For now I will stick with my old school Big Game Prowler, my very old fish finder and tons of storage inside the hatch underneath my legs - its beyond the expiration date and long in the tooth - but its set up how I like it for a day on the water with plano containers and lunch. Thanks again for the honest perspective.

Like your honesty 👍🏻

I'm a Hobie Pro Angler fanatic and fish mostly in saltwater. Just watched a 120 review video and have many questions regarding the features their usability/functionality. I was planning for a demo but don't think it's necessary after watching your review. Thanks for your honest review.

Thanks for keeping it real. Other issue is the hull design. It is a huge pontoon boat. The outer sides push so much water. Very inefficient and slow.

I've got a Sportsman 106 powerered Kayak coming and I got no problem with your opinion on their Kayaks... It is what it is. Thanks for this vid...can't wait to see what you say. After listening to you I agree with what you are saying and I believe you started off right, they are not for everyone.. But there are lots of different people with different physical abilities and needs. I have no thought of taking the kayak off shore... Lots of inshore and lots of Freshwater. I don't agree with you on the Spotlock. You are going to have a hard time finding someone who doesn't like spot lock and no one in their right mind would not buy a spot lock yak and put in a power pole on it. My 106 will not have spot lock. . I'm one of those old guys like the couple you describe, ha. Not everyone is a 6 ft young buck..You made some very valid points and presented them well. I think there does seem to be some silly things like the tool and the pin, the cup holder and the way the area under the seat doesn't drain. I've seen those things mentioned from others. I am subscribed to your channel now. thanks for a great vid. Oh, and yes I have a Lithium Ion Polymer battery... weighs 14 lbs 12 volt 100AH and they are getting tremendous time and distance on the water. Lets hope OldTown watches this vid and takes some of this criticism constructively. Thanks again.

Everyone says there opinion is there own and getting a free boat doesn’t effect that opinion but they never criticize the free product. Not you brother! Thanks for that I was looking this as an option for my next yak. Some of the thing you pointed out you don’t notice on demo only after a couple trips. So thanks

Sooooooooo, I'm thinking Old Town isn't sending you a Christmas card this year???? Good, honest feedback.

I concur! When I was weighing all that Old Town offered, it just sounded so good! Then it came to price. $4000.00 for a kayak that is made of plastic! That's why I settled for the feel free 11.5 V2 that has the motor and peddle drive together for $2399! That kayak has served me well and I can reserve my battery by using motor to get to my spot and come home. While fishing, I use the peddle and paddle to get to spots around the lake, rivers, ponds and streams. I would NEVER take a kayak on the ocean, it's just not that safe for me. I'd rather rent a boat for that.

Another Great Video Nick , love your honesty , wasn’t looking to buy one , but if I was , your opinion would have helped , 👍

I really like this review and I would say the complaints made had validity to them! In my own opinion I think the 106 is the way to go being that you have more room up front with a flush motor console, water doesn’t collect as much in the kayak( aside from the cup holder) and weighs so much less giving you a lot more battery time! I think the pilot is just a little to big!

Best honest review I’ve seen. Thanks. Not buying one now.