Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota (Questions)

[kayaking_kev]

I been wanting to order this kayak, but I have a few questions first. I'm looking into this kayak instead of a pedal drive because I'm unsure if I'm able to operate one, due to a bad foot.

 

I've never operated or owned a trolling motor and was wondering what the downsides of having one would be, besides the extra weight of the battery.

 

Are starting issues common with them?

Is spooking fish from the motor sound a big problem?

Any other downsides of a trolling motor I should know about?

 

Another concern I have is what wheel system to use to transport it. I would really like the Boondox Landing Gear, but I wouldn't know how to access the hull on this kayak to install it and don't really want to be drilling many holes in it. I've heard good things about the C-Tug and Wilderness Systems cart, but I don't really want to spend any extra time putting the kayak on and taking it off.

 

I've seen some people install the Boondox on gear trax, but that was a Native Titan, and I don't think this kayak has any trax where I need to install them.

 

What would be your suggestions? Thanks!

[Tizi]

I have an OT Topwater 106 PDL.  The weight is going to be the biggest difference and when the battery drains, you’re done fishing.  I believe they come with a battery system?  An electric motor is going to be quiet enough I would guess?  It’s not like a large bassboat electric.

 

I ordered Boonedox Landing Gear on the advice of ACK staff.  I have not installed them yet. Access to install is through the rear hatch. I believe the Sportsman has the same hatch?  If you’re unsure, call OT, great customer service.  I am currently using a C-Tug with pool noodles attached.  It works very well. I have another kayak that I originally purchased those for, that’s why I ordered the Boonedox. I haven’t installed the Boonedox yet because the instructions suck and some cutting of a component is required (bandsaw).  
 

 

[schplurg]

I made a cart our of PVC pipe and hand truck wheels for $40 or so for my WS Ride 115. Works great even fully loaded with gear. There's a pretty recent thread about DIY carts here that someone else started.

 

I considered a TM but I think at that point I may as well get a small boat.

 

Your fishing day does not have to end with a dead battery if you have a paddle. A paddle is my only means of propulsion and, by golly, it seems to work!  

[Dens228]

If your batter drains you aren't done fishing.  You should always bring a paddle.  Not all kayaks made for motors or pedals paddle great but they are all able to be paddled. 

[kayaking_kev]

20 hours ago, Tizi said:

 

I ordered Boonedox Landing Gear on the advice of ACK staff.  I have not installed them yet. Access to install is through the rear hatch. I believe the Sportsman has the same hatch?  If you’re unsure, call OT, great customer service.  
 

I don't think it has a rear hatch, at least I'm not able to see one in any pics I have looked up.

 I've emailed Old Town to try to get some answers, but still waiting on a reply.

 

10 hours ago, schplurg said:

I considered a TM but I think at that point I may as well get a small boat.

 

I would think about just getting a boat, but no room for it right now, and I like being able to get to and in places with a kayak.

1 hour ago, Dens228 said:

If your batter drains you aren't done fishing.  You should always bring a paddle.  Not all kayaks made for motors or pedals paddle great but they are all able to be paddled. 

Right, these have a plate in the back that comes off and covers up the hole where the trolling motor goes in for when you want to paddle and their not very heavy kayaks, so I'm sure I can still paddle it.

[BadPennyKenny]

With the motor up, how shallow of water can you navigate through without scraping bottom?

[kayaking_kev]

6 hours ago, BadPennyKenny said:

With the motor up, how shallow of water can you navigate through without scraping bottom?

I'm not sure, it's been hard to find one of them in stock and I've never been in a kayak in shallow water that weighed almost 100 lbs. + a person. But, I do kayak in a 50 lb. kayak all the time and I mostly use it for shallow rivers and I'd say 6 inches is enough to keep me off the bottom pretty easily. You also have to take into account the rudder sticking down on that one though. You could also get some keel for the bottom, but it's a little expensive.

 

But, I hit spots that are and inch or so, and it does hit bottom and I also drag my kayak long distances over rocks and pavement for over 4 years now and it may have a lot of scrapes on the bottom, but those old town are durable as heck. But, I understand you wouldn't want to treat a $2500 kayak like I treat that one.