Old Town’s BigWater PDL 132 features the same hull design with a lifetime warranty as the venerable Predator PDL, as well as the PDL propeller drive with its 5-year warranty and bulletproof reputation. Our pal Don Roth recently bought one in the new marsh camo color from Waterdog Outfitters in Whitehall, Mich., and made it available for a test last fall.This new boat features a front, flush-mount rod holder that’s handy when changing lures or unhooking a fish. It also has two flush-mount rod holders port and starboard behind the seat.
Standard is a rudder control with tensioner that keeps the rudder steady while making a run, leaving the operator’s hands free to cast or retie.Old Town has machined tracks into four plates, two forward and two aft of the seat. These are handy for track-friendly rod holders, paddle holders, anchor cranks, bases for electronics and other accessories.The aft deck is ready to accept a Power-Pole Micro. Some anglers use the four inserts to add a plate here and bolt on an anchor receiver, like those from Scotty. Assembled, the boat weighs 122 pounds. It is 36 inches wide and its usable weight capacity is 378 pounds. MSRP is $2,899.99. More info at oldtownkayaks.com.
