Why We Like The Topwater PDL Kayak
Casting gives your arms enough of a workout, so we let our legs take on the strain of getting us across the water with help from the Old Town Topwater PDL Kayak. This vessel's pedal drive lets you use your larger muscle groups to travel, leaving the finer motions to your fly rod.
The stable, DoubleU hull design and the comfortable platform work together to make standing to cast an enjoyable experience. The Element seat is comfortable for a long day on the water whether you're sitting to pedal or to cast. Angler-friendly features include a universal transducer mount that's compatible with most fish finders, 3 rod holders, and a front hatch that secures your fly box and other gear.
Details
- Fishing kayak that lets you rest your arms
- DoubleU hull design maximizes stability
- PDL drive takes the strain off of your upper body
- Element seat specifically designed for anglers
- Comfortable platform for casting from a stand
- Front hatch secures accessories for a day of fishing
- Universal transducer mount fits a fish finder
- 3 rod holders enable drift fishing
- Item #JOP004A
- Hull Material
- polyethylene
- Length
- 10ft 6in
- Width
- 36in
- Maximum Load
- 450lb
- Rudder
- yes
- Skeg
- none
- Claimed Weight
- 76.5lb
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
- Activity
- flatwater paddling
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
5 based on 3 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageDecember 15, 2022
Great for more than just fishing
I bought this product about 2 years ago. I do a lot of wildlife photography and the hands-free nature of this boat is perfect for holding the boat steady to get the perfect shot. I've also done numerous overnight remote camping trips out of this boat. The tankwell in the back easily fits a large hardsided waterproof tub, and the compartment up front can fit my 3 person tent (in a drybag) along with another large dry bag with all my clothing. I've actually found that this boat is better than camping out of a canoe which is something I never thought I'd ever say about a kayak. The speed of this boat is 3 mph (you can go slower but you can't go faster, the hull speed essentially limits you). I really am wondering what the speed of the 12' version is because although I don't need the extra space (or weight) I'd be willing to trade up just for the added speed. The biggest drawback of the boat is the propeller, the unit itself is fantastic and I've had no mechanical issues at all. The issue is that fundamentally, weeds, reeds, seaweed, etc all love to wrap themselves up in the propeller requiring a lot of bending over and pulling it out of the water to rip all that junk of of the propeller. It's sort of binary, you're either in that type of water and you want to tear your hair out or you aren't. I've had to resort to paddling on many occasions, and given the heavy barge like nature of this boat, that ain't fun. The stability of this boat is also amazing, it's so stable that waves crash against it. I had to go buy some waterproof rain pants because the boat doesn't budge in even 2 foot white caps and the water just crashes onto the deck. People look at me like I'm crazy when I go out into Boston harbor but I've never felt safer in a boat.
Originally reviewed on Johnson Outdoors
June 22, 2019
great for fishing
i have been looking for a pedal kayak for about a year and saving up, red all the reviews and came to old town, always new about there canoes, and new they where the best and since i am from wisconsin. This kayak quickly moved to the top of my list. Had it out on a salt water fishing trip on the indian river, by sebastion inlet, was able to work the mangroves, wonderfully, the yak controls like a dream. Moves along nicely, with minimal effort.
Originally reviewed on Johnson Outdoors
March 22, 2019
Topwater PDL
I’ve only taken it out twice, but this kayak may be the greatest engineering feat since the invention of the wheel. The pedal drive is smooth in both forward and reverse. With fairly minimal pedaling effort, the Topwater moves at a decent pace. It’s also very stable. I’m average size (6’1” 210 lbs), and it is the first kayak I’ve been able to stand in without worrying about falling in.
Originally reviewed on Johnson Outdoors
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