My New Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 + Video

[schplurg]

20 hours ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

How hard is the 106 to load on top of a vehicle? I currently drive a 4 door Colorado with a topper on the bed and keep a rather large tool box in the bed, so not sure how well it would fit in there. I do have roof racks though and am strongly considering the 106.

 

A have a minivan and I can get it up there. I lay the yak next to the side of the van then lift one end up to the roof. The kayak is perpendicular to the van at this point, leaning on it.

 

I then grab the part still on the ground (for me it's the back end) and lift and slide it up onto the rack, turning the kayak as it gets up on top so that it is oriented correctly, facing forward.

 

I'm 54, okay shape, gotta be careful with my back, and I have tendinitis, and I get it up there pretty easily. I can do this on launch ramps and it doesn't slide. I put it on right side up.

 

 

7 hours ago, king fisher said:

Don't feel bad, about not getting fish in this screen shot to bite.  I don't think the screen shot shows as many fish as it looks at first glance.  There are lots of inverted V's but most of them are not large fish.  The length of the V only shows the speed  that the target travels through the sonar cone, not the size of the fish.  If you travel over the fish quickly than the V will be small, if you travel over slowly it will be big, regardless of size of the fish.  If stationary it will simply be a line.  Large fish will be big vertically and show a strong signal with the strongest color, which is yellow on the color pallet you are using. All the inverted V's that are blue are probably baitfish, or even air bubbles in the water.  The big yellow blotch is a tightly concentrated bait ball.  A good sign there is bass nearby, but not bass.  Two V's near the bottom, one red, and one with some yellow, could be bass, but may be catfish, carp, or other larger fish.  With the amount of bait on the screen shot, I'm sure there were bass near by, but not necessarily in the shot itself. It would be interesting to see the same screen shot with the clear view screen.  It sometimes help to compare the two. 

 

Thanks a lot for this, it really helps! It's hard finding good detailed descriptions on reading fish finders.

[Gera]

On 11/9/2021 at 9:03 AM, Dirtyeggroll said:

How hard is the 106 to load on top of a vehicle? I currently drive a 4 door Colorado with a topper on the bed and keep a rather large tool box in the bed, so not sure how well it would fit in there. I do have roof racks though and am strongly considering the 106.

 

I think is very simple once you get the proper technique, I load it on top of my Grand Cherokee and it wasn't simple the first time but now its fairly quick and easy. there are some very good videos on youtube and while all of them work by the same principle look for one that has the same type of roof rack as your car does. I do mine with a strap between my two Yakima rack bars and it makes it super easier and better for the car.

[schplurg]

I should add to my above post that I really do not like loading the yak on the roof this way. It isn't fun. I think one day I will do it wrong and injure myself.

 

Yak is over 100-110 pounds without pedals or seat installed. When I bought it they said it was 85 pounds or so, but that doesn't include the rudder and other hardware that must be mounted after purchase (not the seat or drive)..

 

I'd prefer a trailer, it would take less time on the ramp. The way I do it now it takes me some time to attach the fish finder and all my other gear.

[Dirtyeggroll]

On 11/18/2021 at 6:16 PM, schplurg said:

I should add to my above post that I really do not like loading the yak on the roof this way. It isn't fun. I think one day I will do it wrong and injure myself.

 

Yak is over 100-110 pounds without pedals or seat installed. When I bought it they said it was 85 pounds or so, but that doesn't include the rudder and other hardware that must be mounted after purchase (not the seat or drive)..

 

I'd prefer a trailer, it would take less time on the ramp. The way I do it now it takes me some time to attach the fish finder and all my other gear.

I agree!

heavier than I anticipated.

I used to be a fair amount stronger and could have probably thrown it around ok

Now I’m definitely going to need some sort of cart for it.

 

Anyone using a cart for one of these? If so, which one?

[BBuck]

24 minutes ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

I agree!

heavier than I anticipated.

I used to be a fair amount stronger and could have probably thrown it around ok

Now I’m definitely going to need some sort of cart for it.

 

Anyone using a cart for one of these? If so, which one?

• I use a wilderness systems heavy duty kayak cart for mine. Once it is on the cart properly, I've never had any issues with it. I'm short, 5'2" and the only problem I have with the 106 PDL is lining the kayak cart up under it at times. I think it's just my technique, but the cart slides as I'm trying to sit the kayak on top of it. I think I just need to get some small chalks or something for the wheels to fix that issue. Other than that, I love my kayak and will fish all day long in it with zero issues.  

[schplurg]

I think that Wilderness Systems cart is out of stock everywhere. My DIY PVC one works okay but I don't demand much out of it. It gets the yak from the backyard to the van, that's all I use it for.

 

That WS cart looks very nice though. Try Craigs List for carts.

 

A lot of people like the C-Tug cart. I don't think it's the right choice for me but check that out.

[schplurg]

5 hours ago, BBuck said:

• I use a wilderness systems heavy duty kayak cart for mine. Once it is on the cart properly, I've never had any issues with it. I'm short, 5'2" and the only problem I have with the 106 PDL is lining the kayak cart up under it at times. I think it's just my technique, but the cart slides as I'm trying to sit the kayak on top of it. I think I just need to get some small chalks or something for the wheels to fix that issue. Other than that, I love my kayak and will fish all day long in it with zero issues.  

 

 

My yak would slide too when trying to get it on the cart. Being DIY, I swapped the foam runner pads for rubber pipe insulation which helped a lot.

 

Maybe you can wrap a rubber strip around or along your carts runners to help with grip. Not sure what to use.

[Dirtyeggroll]

8 hours ago, BBuck said:

• I use a wilderness systems heavy duty kayak cart for mine. Once it is on the cart properly, I've never had any issues with it. I'm short, 5'2" and the only problem I have with the 106 PDL is lining the kayak cart up under it at times. I think it's just my technique, but the cart slides as I'm trying to sit the kayak on top of it. I think I just need to get some small chalks or something for the wheels to fix that issue. Other than that, I love my kayak and will fish all day long in it with zero issues.  

I went with the Boonedox landing gear because it was 20% off and seemed to have good reviews, although the few videos I watched did seemed to be paid promotions.

[schplurg]

2 hours ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

I went with the Boonedox landing gear because it was 20% off and seemed to have good reviews, although the few videos I watched did seemed to be paid promotions.

Do you like it? It looks so flimsy to me, but I know Greg Blanchard uses something similar. Seems like a lot of stress on the hull where it's connected. But if it works it works.

 

Part of my problem is I don't want to manhandle the yak on a cart up or down any launch ramps. Tendinitis and back issues n such.

[Darth-Baiter]

On 9/11/2021 at 6:08 PM, Koz said:

 

I suppose that you could turn around and squat over it, too!

And hope it’s a sinker?

[schplurg]

2 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

And hope it’s a sinker?

There's some clearance, some people might need to shift their weight back on the seat a little though.

[Dirtyeggroll]

20 minutes ago, schplurg said:

Do you like it? It looks so flimsy to me, but I know Greg Blanchard uses something similar. Seems like a lot of stress on the hull where it's connected. But if it works it works.

 

Part of my problem is I don't want to manhandle the yak on a cart up or down any launch ramps. Tendinitis and back issues n such.

Don’t know yet. Just ordered

[Krux5506]

On 11/21/2021 at 5:14 PM, schplurg said:

A lot of people like the C-Tug cart. I don't think it's the right choice for me but check that out.

I use a C-Tug for my predator. I dunno, I guess it mostly does the job but the yak has to be pretty much perfectly aligned on that thing and strapped down as tight as possible otherwise it just slides around if you're pulling it up hills...Which I often am. Maybe I should have gotten the wheel upgrade. On flat ground though everything is fine. My buddy's Sportsman doesn't seem to sit as well on the C-Tug as the Predator.

[Koz]

13 hours ago, Krux5506 said:

I use a C-Tug for my predator. I dunno, I guess it mostly does the job but the yak has to be pretty much perfectly aligned on that thing and strapped down as tight as possible otherwise it just slides around if you're pulling it up hills...Which I often am. Maybe I should have gotten the wheel upgrade. On flat ground though everything is fine. My buddy's Sportsman doesn't seem to sit as well on the C-Tug as the Predator.

Really? I haul my kayak up a long, twisty hill with a steep incline and I've never had it slip at all. What's more I have a really wide, pontoon style hull and not a smooth, round hull so the C-Tug pads don't rest completely flush. But because they pivot they grab enough of the hull where it doesn't move when I transport it.

 

My suggestion is to experiment placing it at different points between the bow and the stern to find a better balance point. Maybe that will help.

[Krux5506]

On 11/23/2021 at 9:54 PM, Koz said:

Really? I haul my kayak up a long, twisty hill with a steep incline and I've never had it slip at all. What's more I have a really wide, pontoon style hull and not a smooth, round hull so the C-Tug pads don't rest completely flush. But because they pivot they grab enough of the hull where it doesn't move when I transport it.

 

My suggestion is to experiment placing it at different points between the bow and the stern to find a better balance point. Maybe that will help.

I've hauled mine up some pretty steep hills too, the cart does work but I think I'm pulling too much weight on rough terrain with the type of wheel that comes standard on the c-tug. I basically put the cart somewhere near the seat and crank the cam strap down as tight as possible. If I start pulling up a grassy, bumpy hill it doesn't take much for things to get wobbly, or the wheels sinking into the ground. It works, but I should've just gotten something with better wheels. 

[A-Jay]

@Krux5506

Been using this cart to haul my 120 lb canoe (plus gear) in & out of a few place up here.

I take care of it and I think we're going on 10 years with this one.

I use TWO straps that lead forward & aft of the cart to secure it.

Proper cart positioning under the craft to achieve zero gravity balance in my hand is the key for me. 

https://smile.amazon.com/Seattle-Sports-Paddleboy-All-Terrain-Carrier/dp/B06VTMKD4X/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=small%2Bboat%2Bcart&qid=1638277501&qsid=144-2056929-9022325&sr=8-8&sres=B07JQMZJLM%2CB07H2Y6224%2CB07X3C67CL%2CB06VTMKD4X%2CB0082365AQ%2CB077189ZC5%2CB06Y63WT9K%2CB01DAALD8E%2CB009PZ0K4M%2CB08JH768GC%2CB01KETV7PS%2CB072JXPQ1R%2CB07486N9D5%2CB082PNLMDS%2CB071G5BRYF%2CB074CJ7G57%2CB009PZ0ZL0%2CB00FOTIBHG%2CB01N997IOD%2CB0978PDSKN&th=1

 

A-Jay

[Gera]

On 11/21/2021 at 5:14 PM, schplurg said:

I think that Wilderness Systems cart is out of stock everywhere. My DIY PVC one works okay but I don't demand much out of it. It gets the yak from the backyard to the van, that's all I use it for.

 

That WS cart looks very nice though. Try Craigs List for carts.

 

A lot of people like the C-Tug cart. I don't think it's the right choice for me but check that out.

 

Did you purchased your cart already?? the wilderness system cart is in stock in amazon and it works great with my 106 PDL, its expensive but nothing works better on the old towns. 

 

 

[schplurg]

11 hours ago, Gera said:

 

Did you purchased your cart already?? the wilderness system cart is in stock in amazon and it works great with my 106 PDL, its expensive but nothing works better on the old towns. 

 

 

I'm not really looking for one. My DIY does what I need ( til it breaks!), but if I need one the WS is top of the list.

[OldManLure]

On 11/9/2021 at 9:03 AM, Dirtyeggroll said:

How hard is the 106 to load on top of a vehicle? I currently drive a 4 door Colorado with a topper on the bed and keep a rather large tool box in the bed, so not sure how well it would fit in there. I do have roof racks though and am strongly considering the 106.

Take a look at bed extension racks that fit in hitch receiver.  Much less wear and tear on yak, truck and your body.  A couple buddies have them, and swear by them.