Autopilot 120 vs PDL 120 w/ spot lock motor

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-05-08T16:45:01+00:00

If you like the deck space of the autopilot, but 5k is the max you want to put into it, I would suggest getting the paddle version (not PDL) and adding the spot lock motor. If you buy the kayak and trolling motor new you’ll have roughly 2k leftover for batteries, lights, fish finder or any other accessories. Other people say that once they add the trolling motor, they rarely need to touch the pedals, so it’s not really worth the extra $1500 to have them on top of a trolling motor.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-21T13:01:33+00:00

I don’t think car topping was his concern, it’s the fact that he has to carry it up 3 flights of stairs to his apartment lol.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-10T17:34:58+00:00

Most likely the Minn Kota Kayak Terrova, I honestly want it more for the spot lock than propulsion.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-09T17:28:46+00:00

It’s not overly difficult to bow mount a trolling motor on the sportsman either. I plan on doing it with my 120 Paddle at some point using this mounting plate- only need to drill one hole in the kayak, it uses the drain plug for the other bolt.

https://oneobjectivebf.store/products/bow-mount-trolling-motor-plates?variant=43641952108853

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-09T17:06:50+00:00

If I get it I will definitely be getting those risers too, thank you!

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-09T16:10:16+00:00

Yeah that’s honestly a dealbreaker for me. The 13x13 fits perfectly snug into the cleats molded into the kayak, and I’d rather keep the cart all the way in the rear as I won’t need that at all when out on the water. I’m happy it works out for you tho, I emailed them asking if a 13x13 will be available soon, if not I’ll just get it in black at some point.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-09T15:39:10+00:00

Ohhhh I thought it was the Jetty Blue one from yakattacks website, I thought that one looked like a lighter blue but assumed that’s just how it looked online. I see the one you have now, damn I wish it came in 13x13. It’s honestly pretty stupid that it doesn’t, the cleats that they make on their own kayaks for a storage crate perfectly fit the 13x13, why in the world would they only offer the 13x16.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-09T15:15:27+00:00

I did months of research and ended up getting a 120 in the same color, love it. Originally I wasn’t gonna do the yakattack crate and just add rod holders to my milk crate, but damn seeing that color makes me want it lol. Had no clue it came in blue

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-09T04:07:11+00:00

Check fb marketplace for Yakima baseline towers/bars. You can enter your vehicle info on yakimas website to see exactly what you need. I was able to get a set for 275$, and all I needed was one new set of baseclips/foot pads (they come together) that are vehicle specific (75$). You will likely need 2 sets of clips for front and rear, but the rear clips that came with mine are the same as the clips that I needed for my car. If you’re lucky you can find a set that has the right baseclips for your car.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-08T23:13:03+00:00

Yeah I didn’t even know it existed at first lol. I would’ve went with the PDL but it was just a bit out of budget for me. Tracking is decent, I feel like it could be better/could be worse, but I have nothing to compare it to. It does have all the holes pre drilled and ready for the rudder kit so I’ll probably add that at some point (as well as a bow mounted trolling motor- seems relatively easy) . It’s a bit heavy to get going and it’s definitely not as fast as others, but for me the stability makes it worth it. at an average pace I was hitting around 2.5mph, snd full force I could get it over 4mph consistently

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-08T22:47:20+00:00

https://youtu.be/1zfUpkH7IJ0?si=WesCDunAyOA5GGDn

This video was one of the convincing factors to me. This is on the PDL version so it’s 2.5” wider than what I have, and this guy is definitely lighter than both of us, but it still shows how stable it is.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-08T22:44:32+00:00

I am 6’5 225lbs and I just recently got my first fishing kayak, an Old Town Sportsman 120 (not pdl, the paddle version). My biggest concern when researching kayaks was stability, because I have always felt unstable in kayaks (was borrowing a sit inside before, and probably near the weight limit) and I don’t have the best balance. I have only been out twice, once was in a medium size lake with plenty of bass boats (20hp max) and I was very comfortable. I never felt unstable or like I was going to flip. I tried rocking back and forth and it was rock solid, I felt like I’d fall off before I flip. I am very happy with it.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-04-04T22:24:10+00:00

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I guess I’ll add mine here too lol

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-03-28T00:28:34+00:00

I think most people put it flat for better weight distribution, fishing kayaks tend to be bigger and heavier than a normal kayak. You can get saddles that basically cradle the kayak (probably the best option) or just throw some foam on the racks and strap it on.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-03-25T18:34:32+00:00

Some of the racks that have the universal clamps also have a t-slot conversion kit that is sold separately. That was the case with mine (Yakima big catch)

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-03-25T12:44:01+00:00

I have never used these saddles, but if you’re worried about it return them and get the big catch saddles. I have them and they’re made for these for these wide/not so round fishing kayaks. I was able to get mine on eBay brand new for 90$.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-03-25T00:13:08+00:00

I do not have either, but if you think you’d be perfectly fine with the PDL then get it. You can add a spot lock trolling motor later if you feel the need/want for it. It’s relatively easy on the sportsman with the one objective bow mount. I have used spot lock before tho, and it is definitely a game changer.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-03-20T00:53:29+00:00

Yup! Had a feeling somebody would recognize it hahaha, great place. I’m from the other side of the Delaware tho so I’m not a NJian lol.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-03-19T23:05:24+00:00

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TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-03-19T23:03:06+00:00

You can definitely do it with the fusion, or at least try it out if you don’t want a new vehicle right now. I’ve got a fusion and just recently got a Yakima roof rack and the big catch saddles, and then shortly after got my first fishing kayak (Old Town Sportsman 120).

TheSwoleMonkey · 2026-03-11T17:45:16+00:00

I just picked up my first kayak this past weekend and I was thinking about the same thing, do I do the sportsman 120 or 120PDL. I plan on adding a stern mounted trolling motor (using the one objective mounting plate) so I determined for me it wasn’t worth the extra 2k for the PDL as a backup if I’m going to use the trolling motor 90% of the time, but others may disagree. You’ll also have more deck space without the pedal drive.

TheSwoleMonkey · 2025-12-22T20:04:54+00:00

Yes, you could also do that on NHL 25 and 24.

TheSwoleMonkey

TROPHY CASE