New Old Town kayaks get Minn Kota trolling motors

Old Town is proud to announce the release of the new Sportsman series, the flagship boats of that family include the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 and the 106 powered by Minn Kota.

Both boats bring power to the kayak platform in a manner never before seen.

Let’s start the tour of the AutoPilot 120. This system is also available in a larger 136 size.

Beginning at the rear of the boat.

A larger and improved rudder system makes sharper turns easier, and driving in reverse more responsive.

There is also a mount for a shallow-water anchor.

There is more than enough storage in the rear. An angler can place their crate loaded up with tackle and gear, and a substantial cooler loaded down with ice and drinks.

The 120 measures 12 feet and the 136 13 feet, 6 inches. The 120 boasts 400 pounds of total usable capacity, and 500 pounds for the 136.

The seat has been re-engineered offering more comfortable options and adjustments.

The seat can be moved to a lower position to accommodate angler size and fishing style.

Beneath the seat is where the battery is stored.The Minn Kota trolling motor runs on a 12-volt system, either lead acid or lithium. Both options will run for hours providing all-day power.

Back to the seat. Here you can see the lower position on the front side of the seat.

The front lower bar clips into that slot.

This is how it looks in the lower position.

Just like the previous models, the rudder deployment and stowing system is easy and convenient.

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There are two front-facing rod holders near the cockpit that makes landing a fish or tying on a new rig simple and convenient.

Padded flooring makes for more comfortable standing when fishing.

Lots of floor space.

There are pedals on either side of the cockpit, which is how you steer the boat, hands free.

Accessory tracks are located on either side of the front, along with wire grommets to run cables for a fishfinder.

Here’s a look at the Minn Kota 45-pound thrust trolling motor, which is remote drive and offers the now-famous Spot Lock.

It’s positioned far enough forward that when Spot Lock is engaged, it holds tight and does not spin.

At the base of the trolling motor is a battery meter to keep you informed about how much power you have remaining.

The deployment and stowing system is very well thought out, and extremely simple to execute with only one hand.

Old Town Brand Czar Ryan Lilly demonstrates.

By pulling the cord, the trolling motor drops into place. Thanks to an internal lift-assist, the deployment process literally does the work for you.

Once fully deployed, pull the nylon cord tight and lodge inside this snap.

Here it is ready to do work. It’s low profile and stays out of the way.

Here’s a look at where the power cord plugs into the hull.

Looking at the back storage area, there is this plate. It’s to be used if an angler wants to use just a paddle to enjoy the ride. Simply remove the motor, and place the plate over the hole.

Ryan demonstrates the process.

Pop the cord loose, and the motor literally lifts itself up into the stowed position.

The cable simply slips off the button.

Unplug the power.

The Minn Kota pops free of this bracket.

That was super easy.

Then the plate covers the hole and is held down by built-in straps.

Here’s a look at the front of the boat.

There is forward storage in this compartment. Plus access to the internal workings where wires can be run and accessories added.

Beneath the bow is a convenient mount for a transducer–Side and Down Imaging even.

More accessory tracks.

This little red dealio is an emergency kill switch. Talk about innovative. Check this thing out.

That clip magnetically attaches to the base knob, and when removes the power is cut to the trolling motor.

Inside the key is a spare shear pin, in the event you break the original one this one is real handy.

And to make matters even easier, this key doubles as a prop wrench.

Safety and simplicity.

Adjacent to the seat is a handy dry-storage box.

Perfect for keys, phone, wallet or whatever you need to have along, but keep safe and dry.

Just like every Old Town kayak, a paddle holder comes standard.

The entire system is driven through the use of this awesome iPilot remote. Easy, convenient, and effective.

Now moving on to the Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota.

This boat is also driven by a 45-pound Minn Kota trolling motor, but it operates a bit differently than the AutoPilot boats.

The 106 measures 10 feet, 6 inches and will handle a usable capacity of 390 pounds. The hull, without a battery or the Minn Kota, weighs 75 pounds making it easy for one person to load it into the back of a pickup, or on top of a car.

The 106 also features a new and improved rudder that will turn the boat on a dime and help in reverse steering. There is also a mounting plate for a shallow-water anchor.

The rear of the kayak offers plenty of storage for tackle and whatever else a kayak fanatic might need. Plus, there are two accessory tracks on either side of the rear.

There are two rear-facing rod holders built into the hull.

And the seat is re-engineered making it much more comfortable.

To the front you’ll find one forward-facing rod holder, and the rudder deployment lever.

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Just like the 120 and 136, the battery is placed beneath the seat. It can handle a 12-volt lead acid or lithium battery to provide all-day power.

Here’s a look at the front of the seat and how it secures to the boat.

All the rod holders in the new line of Sportsman Series have a convenient clip so rods can be secured to the boat.

Here’s a look at the Minn Kota in the stowed position.

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When in the stowed position, the trolling motor rests on small legs. This boat is also steered in the same fashion as the 120 and 136 via the pedals. Hands free.

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On top of the trolling motor is a handy dry-storage box.

Opens easily with one hand.

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Here is a look at how the unit is secured to the bottom of the boat.

This is where the power supply is accessed, and the scupper hole is where wires from the fishfinder transducer are run.

This locking device keeps the motor secured in deployed position. You’ll also notice a safety kill switch.

The process of stowing and deploying the trolling motor is very fast and simple.

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The power cord conveniently secures beneath the dry-storage box.

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Ryan Lilly demonstrates how easy it is to remove the Minn Kota trolling motor.

Just like the 120 and 136, there is an accessory plate that will cover the port where the trolling motor sits.

The kill switch works exactly like the larger models.

Even if you hit a stump, and the motor pops up it will knock the key free thus killing the motor until reattached. And it works the same as previously mentioned as a prop wrench, and stores an extra shear pin.