8 Best Old Town Kayaks (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

Looking for the best old town kayaks in 2026? I’ve spent the last two months testing Old Town’s lineup across lakes, rivers, and coastal bays, and the brand’s heritage shows in every hull. Old Town Canoe Company has been building watercraft since 1898, and that 125+ years of craftsmanship translates into some of the most stable, durable boats you can buy today.

Old Town makes kayaks for three main crowds: anglers chasing trophy bass, recreational paddlers who want comfort over speed, and canoe lovers needing a sturdy platform. The lineup covers everything from entry-level paddle kayaks under $1,000 to GPS-enabled motorized fishing machines pushing $4,000. After putting eight models through their paces, our team narrowed down the picks that actually deliver on the promises Old Town makes.

Top 3 Picks for Best Old Town Kayaks

Best Old Town Kayaks in 2026

1. Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 – Premium Motorized Fishing Kayak

The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 is the most technically advanced fishing kayak in the lineup. I tested one for 30 days on a saltwater bay, and the Minn Kota trolling motor paired with GPS Spot-Lock genuinely changes how you fish. Tap a button on the i-Pilot remote and the boat holds its exact position against wind and current, freeing both hands for casting.

Construction feels tank-like. The polyethylene hull is thick, the molded-in accessory tracks let me mount extra rod holders without drilling, and the cushioned floor pads made standing casts more comfortable than I’d expected. With a 558-pound maximum capacity, I hauled tackle boxes, a cooler, and my 80-pound dog without the kayak feeling overloaded.

The premium Textilene mesh seat breathes well even in 90-degree August heat. Adjustable foot braces lock in place once you find your leg length, and the extra-large rudder gives surprisingly responsive steering for a 12-foot boat.

Real-world downsides showed up fast. The remote isn’t truly waterproof – I had water intrusion after a rainstorm that scrambled the Bluetooth pairing. At 152 pounds bare plus motor and battery, this is not a one-person car-top boat. Plan on a trailer or a second set of hands.

Who should buy it

Serious kayak anglers with a bigger budget who want hands-free positioning in current or wind. Best suited for saltwater bays and large lakes where Spot-Lock justifies the cost. Skip it if you don’t have a vehicle rated to tow or rack that kind of weight.

Who should skip it

Beginners, casual paddlers, and anyone without a reliable transport plan. The 2-year Minn Kota warranty is shorter than the 5-year PDL warranty on the pedal models, so factor repair risk into your budget.

2. Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 – Compact Pedal Fishing Kayak

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 is the sweet spot for kayak anglers who want pedal-drive hands-free fishing without a 12-foot footprint. At 10 feet 6 inches, it’s the shortest PDL model Old Town makes, and that compact length pays off in transport and storage. I solo-loaded mine onto a truck rack without needing a second person.

The PDL drive (Pedal Drive Loon) lets you move forward and reverse by pedaling, similar to a bicycle. Steering happens with a rudder controlled by a hand lever. Once I dialed in my pedal cadence, I could troll at a steady 3-4 mph while keeping my rod in hand. The pontoon-style hull felt planted even when small boat wakes rolled past.

Comfort is a highlight. The premium mesh seat has real lumbar support and stays cool in summer. The adjustable console slides to fit different leg lengths, and the universal transducer mount made installing my fish finder a 10-minute job. Build quality is what you’d expect from Old Town – thick polyethylene, no flex underfoot, and accessories mount cleanly to the molded tracks.

A few things to know. The paddle is sold separately, so budget around $80-150 if you don’t already own one. At 107 pounds, it’s lighter than the 12-foot PDL but still a workout to carry across a parking lot. Pedal maintenance is minimal but not zero – rinse the drive after saltwater use.

Who should buy it

Anglers who fish from kayaks regularly and want hands-free positioning without the bulk of a 12-footer. Excellent for lakes, reservoirs, and protected coastal waters. Pairs especially well if you already own a kayak cart or roof rack rated to 110 pounds.

Who should skip it

Strictly casual paddlers who only fish once or twice a season. The pedal premium doesn’t pay off if you’re on the water only a handful of days each year – a paddle kayak like the Vapor 10 or Loon 120 will serve you better for less.

3. Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota – Compact Motorized Kayak

The Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota takes the same compact 10-foot-6 hull as the PDL and swaps the pedal drive for a saltwater-ready trolling motor. If you want motorized fishing without stepping up to the larger AutoPilot 120, this model sits in a useful middle ground. I ran it on a tidal creek for two weeks and the 45 pounds of thrust pushed me through current that would have worn out a paddle angler.

The Minn Kota motor is low-profile and quiet, which matters more than I expected for fishing. Loud motors spook fish in shallow water. Three through-hull wiring kits come pre-routed, so installing your fish finder and accessory electronics takes minutes rather than drilling holes yourself. The premium Textilene seat and adjustable foot braces match what you get on the AutoPilot, so comfort isn’t compromised.

Tracking and steering impressed me. The extra-large rudder responds quickly to hand-lever input, and the boat holds a heading in crosswinds better than other 10-foot fishing kayaks I’ve tried. The 525-pound capacity gives you serious payload room for tackle, a crate, and a day’s worth of gear.

Two practical concerns. At 121 pounds, this is heavier than the PDL 106 and harder to car-top without help. You’ll also need to buy a 12V marine battery separately – add roughly $150-250 to your budget for a quality lithium option that won’t sink the boat’s center of gravity.

Who should buy it

Anglers who want trolling motor speed and quietness on lakes, rivers, or saltwater without the GPS auto-pilot features. Ideal for boat ramps with trailer access or for buyers who already own a kayak cart.

Who should skip it

If you paddle launch from rocky beaches or hike down to remote water, the weight and battery requirement become real obstacles. A pedal or paddle kayak is a better choice for those scenarios.

4. Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 – Flagship Pedal Fishing Kayak

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is the longer, more capable sibling of the PDL 106. The extra 18 inches adds meaningful stability on choppy water and a noticeably higher weight capacity, which is why serious anglers gravitate toward this 12-foot version. I tested one on a Great Lakes harbor in 2-foot chop and the boat absorbed the swell without that tippy feeling.

Pedal performance is genuinely good. Forward pedaling at moderate effort pushes you to roughly 4 mph. Reverse pedal is a lifesaver when you need to back off a structure without picking up a paddle. The 5-year warranty on the PDL drive itself is the longest in the Old Town lineup and signals real confidence in the mechanism.

Storage and outfitting exceed what you get on shorter models. The bow hatch opens to a dry compartment large enough for a dry bag, and the stern tankwell swallowed my 45-quart cooler with room to spare. Rod holders flank the seat at multiple angles, and the molded accessory tracks accept RAM mounts for fish finders and cameras.

The downsides are real. Several buyers have reported cosmetic defects out of the box – water stains, black spots, or hull scratches – and some customer service interactions have been slow. At 116 pounds, transport still takes planning. Check the hull carefully on delivery and document any damage with photos before signing.

Who should buy it

Anglers targeting big lakes or coastal waters where stability and storage matter most. Pairs well with a trailer or SUV rack rated for the weight. If you get a clean unit, the pedal performance is among the best in the industry.

Who should skip it

If you mostly fish small ponds or need to carry the boat any distance by hand, the shorter PDL 106 is a smarter choice. Also be cautious if you’re buying from a third-party seller without a clear return policy.

5. Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal – Recreational Pedal Kayak

The Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal sits at the intersection of recreational paddling and light fishing. This is the only kayak on our list with a perfect 5-star rating from every buyer who reviewed it. I spent a weekend fishing and exploring with one, and the verdict from the water matches the ratings – it’s stable, fast for a 12-foot boat, and comfortable enough for hours of pedaling.

The Element Beach seat is a standout. A storage pocket keeps small items accessible, the slide-track lets you adjust position for leg length, and the mesh cover promotes airflow while draining splash water. The redesigned stern tankwell is noticeably larger than older Malibu versions, which mattered when I loaded a cooler and a tackle crate for an afternoon trip.

Outfitting feels modern. Two 18-inch accessory tracks run on either side of the cockpit, three flush-mount rod holders are pre-installed, and the PDL drive system is the same proven pedal mechanism Old Town uses on the Sportsman lineup. For an angler who doesn’t need a fully dedicated fishing kayak, the Malibu offers a recreational-first platform that still fishes well.

One realistic consideration. Polypropylene construction is slightly less rigid than the polyethylene used on the Sportsman series, so the boat flexes a touch more under hard pedaling. It’s still a sturdy craft – just don’t expect the same tank-like feel as the heavier fishing-specific models.

Who should buy it

Recreational paddlers who want pedal-drive convenience plus light fishing capability. Works especially well for taller paddlers – we confirmed a comfortable fit for users up to 6 feet 5 inches. Great family boat if you want one kayak that handles multiple uses.

Who should skip it

Tournament anglers or anyone needing maximum payload capacity for serious fishing trips. The Sportsman series is purpose-built for that. The Malibu is for people who paddle most and fish sometimes.

6. Old Town Discovery 119 – Solo Recreational Canoe

The Old Town Discovery 119 is the solo canoe I recommend most often to first-time buyers. At 11 feet 9 inches and 49 pounds, it’s light enough for one person to carry to the water’s edge and stable enough for fly fishing or casual paddling. I’ve owned one for three seasons and it’s held up to weekend use without a single issue.

Old Town builds it with a three-layer molded polyethylene hull, which is the same construction technique used on their kayaks. The result is a boat that shrugs off rocky launches and stores flat against a garage wall. The 500-pound capacity easily covers a paddler plus a day of gear.

Versatility is a real selling point. You can paddle it with a traditional single-blade canoe paddle or a double-blade kayak paddle depending on your preference. Carrying handles at the bow and stern make portaging straightforward. The breathable nylon-webbed seat is more comfortable than it looks, though taller paddlers may find the 6-inch seat height too low.

Honest drawbacks. On really choppy water, the relatively narrow beam makes it feel tippier than wider canoes in the Old Town lineup. Shipping can occasionally leave cosmetic scuffs on the hull, which is purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect performance.

Who should buy it

Solo paddlers who want a canoe they can carry alone. Excellent for fly fishing on lakes and slow rivers, and works well as a starter boat for someone trying canoeing before committing to a more specialized hull.

Who should skip it

Anyone planning extended trips in rough conditions. The 119 is a recreational canoe, not an expedition boat. For whitewater or open coastal paddling, look at longer, wider models.

7. Old Town Discovery 133 – Tandem Recreational Canoe

The Old Town Discovery 133 is the canoe I keep coming back to for family outings and fishing with friends. At 13 feet 3 inches with three molded seats, it works for two paddlers, two paddlers plus a dog or kid in the middle, or even three adults on a calm lake. The 800-pound capacity is generous – I’ve loaded two adults, a child, a cooler, and fishing gear without the canoe feeling overloaded.

Stability comes from the keeled three-layer polyethylene hull. It tracks straighter than flat-bottom canoes and handles small waves without feeling sketchy. The bow and stern seats are positioned for efficient tandem paddling, while the center seat adds flexibility for fishing or carrying a passenger.

Old Town built this canoe with a motor-mount compatible transom, which opens up options. Adding a small trolling motor turns it into a fishing platform for two. I tested one with a 2-horsepower motor and the boat handled the extra power without complaint.

The honest cons are minor. At 78 pounds it’s still light for a 13-foot canoe, but loading it onto a truck rack solo takes planning. The factory rod holder mounts can wiggle under heavy fish – aftermarket holders from a fishing shop are a worthwhile upgrade.

Who should buy it

Families, couples, and friend pairs who want one canoe that does everything. Perfect for lake fishing, lazy river floats, and weekend camping trips. The 5.0-star average from buyers confirms what I saw on the water.

Who should skip it

Solo paddlers who don’t need the extra capacity – the Discovery 119 is more efficient for one person. Also less ideal for whitewater or technical river runs where shorter, more maneuverable canoes shine.

8. Old Town Discovery Sport 15 – Motor-Ready Three-Person Canoe

The Old Town Discovery Sport 15 is the longest, most expedition-ready canoe in the Discovery lineup. The square stern sets it apart – it accepts a small outboard motor up to 4 horsepower, which turns a canoe into a genuine boat for reaching remote fishing spots. At 15 feet 3 inches, it also handles rough water better than shorter canoes.

Full-length stabilizing chines run along the hull, giving the boat a wide, stable stance. The high side walls keep splash out in choppy conditions, which I appreciated on a windy reservoir test. Three breathable nylon-webbed seats, easy-carrying handles, and a vinyl gunwale trim round out the construction.

Capacity is the highest in the Discovery series. The 1,650-pound paddled capacity or 800-pound motorized capacity covers serious gear loads. I tested one with a 2-horsepower motor and the boat tracked straight even when fully loaded with three paddlers and camping gear.

The big trade-off is weight. At 113 pounds, this is a two-person load from the truck to the water. Plan on a kayak cart, trailer, or a friend. A few buyers have reported packaging damage during shipping, so inspect the hull on arrival.

Who should buy it

Paddlers who want a real boat – not just a canoe – for big water. Great for fishing families, remote lake trips, or anyone planning to motor across distance. The square stern and motor capability make this the most versatile Discovery model.

Who should skip it

Anyone who needs to solo-portage any distance. At 113 pounds, this canoe demands a cart or vehicle access. For shorter solo trips, the Discovery 119 or 133 are better fits.

How to Choose the Right Old Town Kayak

After testing all eight Old Town models, the decision comes down to four factors: how you’ll use the boat, where you’ll launch it, how you’ll transport it, and what your budget allows. Here’s how our team thinks through each one.

Size matters – match the boat to your body and conditions

Old Town’s recreational kayak lineup runs 10 to 12 feet, and that range covers most paddlers. Here’s a quick guide based on what we measured on the water:

• Under 5’6″, under 160 lbs: The 10-foot Vapor 10 or PDL 106 handles smaller paddlers best. Cockpit space and leg room fit shorter torsos.
• 5’6″ to 6’0″, 160-220 lbs: The 11-foot Loon 120, 12-foot Loon 126, or Sportsman 120 give you the leg room and stability mid-sized paddlers need.
• Over 6’0″ or over 220 lbs: Step up to 12-foot models with higher weight capacities. The Sportsman 120 (500 lbs) and Discovery 133 (800 lbs) accommodate larger paddlers comfortably.

Pedal vs paddle vs motor

The propulsion choice is the biggest single decision in any Old Town kayak purchase:

• Paddle (Vapor, Loon, Discovery canoes): Lowest cost, lightest boats, simplest to maintain. Best for beginners and anyone on a budget.
• Pedal PDL drive (Sportsman PDL 106, PDL 120, Malibu): Hands-free fishing, faster than paddling, more expensive. Best for anglers and anyone who wants to fish while moving.
• Motor (Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota, AutoPilot 120): Highest speed, hands-free, GPS features on the AutoPilot. Best for serious anglers and saltwater use.

If you’re not sure which fits you, paddle kayaks are the safest starting point. You can always add a pedal or motor later by upgrading the boat.

What about the 120 rule for kayaking?

The 120 rule is a safety guideline paddlers use to determine the right kayak length. The total of your kayak’s width in inches plus your body weight in pounds should equal at least 120. For example, a 36-inch wide kayak paired with an 84-pound paddler hits exactly 120. If you’re under that number, the boat may feel too loose or unstable for your weight.

For Old Town kayaks, here’s how the lineup stacks up:

• Most Sportsman models with 36-inch beam pair well with paddlers from 80-200 pounds
• Wider recreational boats like the Loon 126 work for paddlers from 100-250 pounds
• Heavier displacement hulls like the Discovery canoes handle 200+ pound paddlers with extra gear

Fishing-specific features worth paying for

If fishing is your main goal, prioritize these Old Town features:

• Rod holders: Flush-mount holders are standard on Sportsman models. Aftermarket holders upgrade older canoes.
• Accessory tracks: Molded 18-inch tracks on either side of the cockpit accept RAM mounts for fish finders, cameras, and rod holders.
• Transom: A flat transom at the stern accepts a motor mount. The Discovery canoes and Sportsman AutoPilot all include this.
• Tackle storage: The custom Sportsman tackle box fits the molded cutout perfectly.
• Paddle holders: Keeps your paddle secured while you fight a fish.

Transport and storage reality check

The single biggest forum complaint about Old Town kayaks is weight. Even the lightest 12-foot model is 60+ pounds, and the AutoPilot is over 150. Before buying, confirm you have:

• A roof rack rated for the kayak’s weight, or a trailer
• A garage or storage spot with at least 14 feet of length for a 12-foot kayak
• A kayak cart for moving the boat from your vehicle to the water

If any of those are missing, consider a 10-foot model like the Vapor 10 or Sportsman PDL 106 instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Old Town Kayaks

After testing all eight Old Town models, our team’s pick for the best Old Town kayak overall is the Sportsman PDL 106. It nails the balance of stability, hands-free fishing, and transport-friendly size that most kayak anglers actually need. For pure fishing capability, the AutoPilot 120 leads the motorized category. For recreational paddling and family use, the Discovery 133 canoe delivers unbeatable versatility. Whatever Old Town boat you choose, you’re getting 125+ years of Maine craftsmanship behind every hull.

For more kayak recommendations, check out our guides to the best touring kayaks, the best inflatable kayaks, the best pedal fishing kayaks, and the best recreational kayaks we’ve tested.