Old town sportsman 120 vs something else

[peelout]

I'm torn between picking up a brand new old town sportsman 120 or a multitude of other options. A retailer by me is clearing their 2022 models out for $1000CAD. This will be my first boat so I don't want to spend the extra cash just yet for a pedal drive. I also am going to be car topping this yak on my civic so the weight is the main thing I'm concerned about. I'm in my mid 20's and go to the gym frequently so I would describe myself as being in good shape but I don't want to get the old town and then be turned off from taking it out on the water frequently because it's a pain to transport. There are some other options which are a little bit lighter such as the perception outlaw 11.5 and the tarpon 120 but for the price of a used one in my area I can get a brand new sportsman 120. Also I've read how well the tarpon paddles compared to the heavier kayaks and now I'm starting to second guess the old town even more. I was hoping the experts on this forum would be able to give me some guidance on this one, thanks!

[MediumMouthBass]

I found the Outlaw and Tarpon to have felt like half step kayaks, no where near as bad as cheap $300 Lifetimes, but no where near $1000+ fishing kayaks. If you can get one of them around $500 they would be worth getting. But they lack many features.... Which in the modern day are now considered basic features, the one doesnt have a tank well just a cover that bungees down, the other has a seat right on the plastic itself😐 These are glorified Walmart specials Lifetimes/Pelicans, with an absurd price tag attached.

 

If spending around $1000 for a new kayak that has all the bells and whistles theres only 2 options:

#1. Old Town Sportsman 120, 85lbs (your price $1000). #2. Crescent Lite Tackle 2, 79lbs  (MSRP $1200).

 

Both kayaks have sit on top seats that are very nice and adjustable (high/low position). Both have a front and rear tankwell that has inside access, which IMO is the most important part. This will let you store rods inside the hull when transporting the kayak, you can also fit clothes, food, camping gear, and tackle storage inside of them too. Both have great reviews and are highly rated along with being loved by the kayak community, and have lots of aftermarket/oem parts for upgrades too.

 

I have an Sportsman 120, Lite Tackle 1 (the 2 is more oriented for fishing), and a Shoalie. The Old Towns feel like boats, super stable although slow to paddle and takes longer to turn, whereas Crescents are still stable but no where near that much, however they are much faster and turn very sharp. I would highly suggest checking out the 2 kayaks i mentioned because they give you alot for the money, and go above and beyond for features. All the kayaks i own are within 10lbs of each other (75-77-85) but the Old Town requires 2 of us to move safely. Its significantly heavier feeling and looks gigantic too.

 

If the 120's weight is an issue theres always the 106...