Gear

New Old Town Predator PDL: Full walk-through

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Introduced at ICAST 2019, Old Town debuted the newly re-engineered Predator PDL.
Introduced at ICAST 2019, Old Town debuted the newly re-engineered Predator PDL.
Standing on the already innovative layout and design, the new features make this cool fishing kayak even better.
Standing on the already innovative layout and design, the new features make this cool fishing kayak even better.
The hull is built for stability and speed. The front handle is easy to grab and built right into the bow.
The hull is built for stability and speed. The front handle is easy to grab and built right into the bow.
Up front is the main storage compartment, but the lid is new. In fact, it's the same lid that comes standard on the Topwater series.
Up front is the main storage compartment, but the lid is new. In fact, it’s the same lid that comes standard on the Topwater series.
Pull the bungee off and it pops right open. And the design along the underside of the lid keeps it water tight.
Pull the bungee off and it pops right open. And the design along the underside of the lid keeps it water tight.
Inside the front hatch is an attached battery bag to conveniently stow power.
Inside the front hatch is an attached battery bag to conveniently stow power.
The Predator is powered by the PDL drive system, which features instant reverse and smooth maneuverability.
The Predator is powered by the PDL drive system, which features instant reverse and smooth maneuverability.
Here's a look at the PDL in its locked-in and down position.
Here’s a look at the PDL in its locked-in and down position.
The PDL's storage department has been redesigned and is now more watertight and easy to use.
The PDL’s storage department has been redesigned and is now more watertight and easy to use.
This is a good place to keep a small tackle tray or other items you might need during a fishing trip.
This is a good place to keep a small tackle tray or other items you might need during a fishing trip.
In the cockpit on either side of the PDL are two storage slots beneath a built-in accessory track.
In the cockpit on either side of the PDL are two storage slots beneath a built-in accessory track.
To the front of the PDL are two durable plates that can handle additional accessories.
To the front of the PDL are two durable plates that can handle additional accessories.
A handle on either side makes launching, landing and storing a simple task.
A handle on either side makes launching, landing and storing a simple task.
The kayak comes with super handy paddle holder that is easy to grab.
The kayak comes with super handy paddle holder that is easy to grab.
New on the Predator is an updated steering knob that spins to make turning smooth and fast. There is also a secondary knob that tightens or loosens the tension.
New on the Predator is an updated steering knob that spins to make turning smooth and fast. There is also a secondary knob that tightens or loosens the tension.
Moving on to the seat, it's easily adjustable to fit any size of angler. A knob on either side can be pulled up and the seat will slide forward to backward to extend comfort.
Moving on to the seat, it’s easily adjustable to fit any size of angler. A knob on either side can be pulled up and the seat will slide forward to backward to extend comfort.
The seat is very comfortable.
The seat is very comfortable.
It folds down and the tension straps on the side can be cinched down to keep it from flipping up when in transit.
It folds down and the tension straps on the side can be cinched down to keep it from flipping up when in transit.
Beneath the seat is a convenient pocket that can handle a tray or whatever plastics the bass are eating. More storage is a good thing.
Beneath the seat is a convenient pocket that can handle a tray or whatever plastics the bass are eating. More storage is a good thing.
Under the seat is another access compartment that can be used as additional storage, or it makes access to install more components easy.
Under the seat is another access compartment that can be used as additional storage, or it makes access to install more components easy.
Simple.
Simple.
These straps are meant to secure the seat to the deck of the kayak.
These straps are meant to secure the seat to the deck of the kayak.
Here they are installed.
Here they are installed.
On the back of the seat is another pocket that comes in handy for more bait storage with easy access.
On the back of the seat is another pocket that comes in handy for more bait storage with easy access.
Just to the right of the chair and behind the front-right gear track is a forward-facing rod holder. This is ideal when unhooking a fish.
Just to the right of the chair and behind the front-right gear track is a forward-facing rod holder. This is ideal when unhooking a fish.
Here's a look at the deployed PDL.
Here’s a look at the deployed PDL.
This is a universal transducer mount that is protected by the rest of the hull. Electronics are critical to boat control, mapping and understanding what's beneath, and having the right transducer will allow the angler to take full advantage of the electronics.
This is a universal transducer mount that is protected by the rest of the hull. Electronics are critical to boat control, mapping and understanding what’s beneath, and having the right transducer will allow the angler to take full advantage of the electronics.
When it comes to driving the Predator PDL, the rudder-deploy handle is within easy reach.
When it comes to driving the Predator PDL, the rudder-deploy handle is within easy reach.
And the rudder itself has been updated. It's got a built in handle for added maneuverability.
And the rudder itself has been updated. It’s got a built in handle for added maneuverability.
The attached bungee pops free when the time comes to deploy the rudder.
The attached bungee pops free when the time comes to deploy the rudder.
With a quick flip of the wrist, the rudder handle drops the rudder.
With a quick flip of the wrist, the rudder handle drops the rudder.
Here's the rudder in the fully deployed position. This design helps the Predator turn quickly and accurately.
Here’s the rudder in the fully deployed position. This design helps the Predator turn quickly and accurately.
Also new on the Predator is a shallow-water-anchor ready plate that will make for an easy install.
Also new on the Predator is a shallow-water-anchor ready plate that will make for an easy install.
Here's a look from beneath the rear of the boat. The same area also serves as a handle when it comes time to load the kayak on a trailer.
Here’s a look from beneath the rear of the boat. The same area also serves as a handle when it comes time to load the kayak on a trailer.
There's plenty of room in the rear for a small cooler or tackle storage box.
There’s plenty of room in the rear for a small cooler or tackle storage box.
On either side of the rear-storage area there are additional rod holders and gear tracks.
On either side of the rear-storage area there are additional rod holders and gear tracks.
You can't have too many places to set up gear.
You can’t have too many places to set up gear.
Here's another look at the rear storage.
Here’s another look at the rear storage.
And a drain plug. Always handy when you need it.
And a drain plug. Always handy when you need it.
That's the new 2020 Old Town Predator PDL.
That’s the new 2020 Old Town Predator PDL.

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