2 month review of old town predator mk

[WestBranch]

This model used to be called the xl minn kota, but they changed the name this year with some cosmetic upgrades.

 

I use it almost everyday day and am really pleased with it as a fishing platform, once you get used to the rudders and speed control, you can easily control it to either drift, or remain stationery in the wind / current. You can steer clear of hazards while reeling in a fish, etc. 

 

It is very stable and you can stand and fish from it with out a problem. It takes A LOT to flip this kayak. That comes at a price, as this kayak is around 90 pounds empty, add 25 for the motor and fish finder, and another 80 to 100 for the battery and wiring.

 

It does have some design flaws thou. The worst (IMO) is the back electrical connection to the battery. 1 the wire comes out of the box at the wrong angle and makes that side rod holder unusable. (Pic 1)

This wire could also be a little longer. The area that they put the connection is a very wet area (pic 2) and promotes corrosion on the terminals. Dielectric grease is a must here.

 

The seat has a built in shelf underneath that will hold 2 3600 boxes. They put 3 grommets in the back for drainage ( pic 3) but they are too high and water still collects there. I put a 4th grommet in to correct this.

 

The foot pedals are the rudder controls but they don't really have the adjustment range ( pic 4) (unless your 8 feet tall) I'm 5' 8" with a 30" inseam and have them adjusted almost at the near limit. If you were less then 5' 6" you'd probably have to sit on a phone book to reach the pedals.

 

I put a 40W solar panel on the back ( pic 5) and it will bring the battery from 50% to 100% in a day. It has the added benefit to also charge the battery as I use it.

 

EDIT Pics added

 

Edited July 27, 2017 by WestBranch
Pics added

[Darren.]

Good review! Could you reroute the batt wire to be less of

an obstacle to the rod holder, or is it just too stiff? Perhaps

a bungie around the battery box could snug it closer?

[WestBranch]

4 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Good review! Could you reroute the batt wire to be less of

an obstacle to the rod holder, or is it just too stiff? Perhaps

a bungie around the battery box could snug it closer?

Too stiff, it's a thick wire. I've thought about splicing in a longer piece, but at that point I'd probably redo the entire thing with different connectors from either a auto or marine parts store.

 

I've also sent these comments to old town's customer service

[Darren.]

5 hours ago, WestBranch said:

Too stiff, it's a thick wire. I've thought about splicing in a longer piece, but at that point I'd probably redo the entire thing with different connectors from either a auto or marine parts store.

 

I've also sent these comments to old town's customer service

 

Interesting conundrum. I have a smaller battery box for a 

35AH wheelchair battery and the cables have openings in

front and back rather than sides. I imagine that would work

fine, or at least a little better.

[WestBranch]

6 hours ago, Darren. said:

Good review! Could you reroute the batt wire to be less of

an obstacle to the rod holder, or is it just too stiff? Perhaps

a bungie around the battery box could snug it closer?

 

I looked inside the battery box and realized the wires could be routed different and come out a different opening.  I'll have to put a cable tie where it connects to the kayak to keep it from pulling out. (I keep my tackle bag between the seat and battery, and have knocked it out before)

[Darren.]

53 minutes ago, WestBranch said:

 

I looked inside the battery box and realized the wires could be routed different and come out a different opening.  I'll have to put a cable tie where it connects to the kayak to keep it from pulling out. (I keep my tackle bag between the seat and battery, and have knocked it out before)

 

Nice! Well done modification!