Old Town Sportsman Pdl 106 Kayak Review of 2026 Stability-Focused Picks
This old town sportsman pdl 106 kayak review for October 2026 breaks down hull stability, pedal drive ease, and cockpit gear storage.
By Brooke Hess
Updated October 4, 2026
Aching lower back fatigue and unstable footing on choppy water can quickly ruin a full morning of casting along weed lines. Pontoon-style hulls provide the primary stability needed to stand up and sight-cast without feeling like you are about to roll into the drink. In this detailed old town sportsman pdl 106 kayak review, we examine how compact hull dimensions, forward-reverse propulsion, and dedicated tackle tracks combine to solve everyday angling frustrations on inland reservoirs and coastal bays. Looking at manufacturer specs and paddler reports reveals why anglers value a solid stadium-style frame seat that keeps you dry above wet deck surfaces.
Managing heavy gear on open water requires dependable tracking and ample deck space without turning your craft into an unmanageable barge at the ramp. For those who want more propulsion versatility, comparing pedal drives with a pedal kayak with trolling motor setup helps clarify whether manual crank systems or motorized power suit your local current conditions. Our assessment looks closely at the usable payload capacity, instant forward-reverse pedal drive, and universal transducer mounting plates across the Sportsman lineup to verify which build matches your fishing habits.
| Award | Product | WSG Score About WSG ScoreThe WSG Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on performance, design and build, ease of use, and value. It reflects independent research and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |
Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak
|
9.2/10 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak
|
9.1/10 | Buy |
| Best Premium |
Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Kayak
|
8.9/10 | Buy |
Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Kayak
|
8.8/10 | Buy | |
| Best Value |
Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Kayak
|
8.4/10 | Buy |
Old Town Sportsman 106 Minn Kota Kayak
|
8.3/10 | Buy | |
Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pedal Kayak
|
8.3/10 | Buy | |
Old Town Sportsman 106 Motorized Kayak
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak
The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 is a compact 10-foot-6-inch sit-on-top fishing craft built with a stable pontoon hull and an instant forward-reverse pedal drive. Offering a 450-pound maximum capacity and an ergonomic mesh seat, it is ideal for kayak anglers targeting lakes and sheltered backwaters.
Pros
- Instant forward-and-reverse pedal system delivers exceptional hands-free navigation while working shorelines
- Pontoon hull geometry provides reassuring initial stability on flatwater reservoirs and slow rivers
- Breathable, elevated stadium-style mesh seat provides comfortable back support during extended outings
- Factory equipped with gear tracks, rod holders, deck padding, a custom tackle box, and a transducer mount
Cons
- Hull weight of 107 pounds (plus an 18-pound pedal drive) makes solo rooftop loading physically demanding
- Paddle is sold separately and must be purchased as an essential backup before heading out on the water
- Pedal drive requires sufficient draft clearance and must be docked when navigating shallow flats or shoals
Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak
The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 delivers exceptional primary stability and hands-free maneuverability thanks to its wide pontoon-style hull and reliable forward/reverse pedal drive. It is a fantastic choice for kayak anglers seeking an agile, electronics-ready platform for lakes, slow rivers, and sheltered coastal waters.
Pros
- Instant forward and reverse pedal drive keeps hands free for fishing and boat control
- Wide pontoon-style hull provides outstanding initial flatwater stability for confident casting
- Breathable, track-adjustable mesh seat delivers superior lumbar support for long outings
- Pre-rigged with accessory tracks, cushioned floor pads, rod holders, and a tackle box
- Patented drive docking system allows rapid retraction before reaching shallow boat ramps
Cons
- Total kayak weight of 107 pounds makes solo roof-rack loading demanding without a cart or load assist
- Paddle is sold separately and must be purchased as a necessary backup propulsion tool
- Compact 10-foot, 6-inch hull length prioritizes stability and turning agility over open-water displacement speed
Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Kayak
Built for open-water fishing, this platform pairs an intuitive forward-reverse pedal drive with extensive gear tracks and a supportive mesh seat. Its 500-pound capacity handles large loads effortlessly, though managing its 122-pound hull requires significant lifting effort.
Pros
- Efficient hands-free forward and reverse propulsion
- Generous 500-pound capacity supports extensive gear
- Comfortable all-day adjustable mesh seat design
- Convenient built-in transducer mounting system
Cons
- Heavy 122-pound hull complicates solo transport
- Backup paddle must be purchased separately
- Large 13-foot frame requires ample storage space
Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Kayak
Built for dedicated anglers, this 12-foot motorized kayak pairs Minn Kota propulsion with an oversized rudder for responsive forward and reverse maneuvering. Its cushioned EVA deck pads and multiple rod holders create a stable, fully equipped platform for stand-up casting.
Pros
- Motorized Minn Kota drive provides hands-free navigation
- Large rudder delivers excellent directional control
- Four gear tracks and four flush rod holders included
- Non-slip EVA foam pads support stable stand-up fishing
Cons
- Heavy 152-pound weight makes solo loading difficult
- Bulky 12-foot frame requires dedicated transport and storage
Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Kayak
Built for tournament anglers and open-water excursions, this 13-foot pedal kayak pairs hands-free forward and reverse propulsion with an expansive, high-capacity deck. It offers all-day lumbar comfort and abundant rigging options, though its hefty hull demands serious transport planning.
Pros
- Smooth forward and reverse hands-free propulsion
- High 500-pound capacity supports extensive gear
- Breathable, fully adjustable ergonomic mesh seat
- Plenty of integrated gear tracks and rod holders
Cons
- Heavy 122-pound bare hull complicates solo loading
- Back-up paddle and fish finder sold separately
- Large 13-foot footprint requires substantial storage space
Old Town Sportsman 106 Minn Kota Kayak
Built for hands-free navigation, this motorized fishing kayak pairs Minn Kota trolling power with integrated fish finder routing and ergonomic seating. It suits anglers looking to cover open water efficiently across both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Pros
- Integrated 45-pound thrust Minn Kota trolling motor
- Drill-free mounting for fish finders and transducers
- Breathable dual-layer Textilene mesh seating
- Substantial 525-pound maximum load capacity
- Cushioned deck pads provide standing comfort and grip
Cons
- Motor battery is not included
- Heavy 121-pound hull complicates solo transport
- Paddle must be purchased separately
Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pedal Kayak
Designed for hands-free angling, this 12-foot craft pairs an intuitive forward-and-reverse pedal drive with a stable pontoon-style hull. Ample rigging options and a generous 500-pound capacity make it a well-equipped platform for serious fishing excursions.
Pros
- Smooth forward and reverse pedal propulsion
- Stable pontoon hull allows confident standing
- High 500-pound maximum weight capacity
- Comfortable, breathable adjustable mesh seating
- Plentiful integrated gear tracks and rod holders
Cons
- Heavy 116-pound hull complicates solo transport
- Paddle is not included and sold separately
- Pedal console adds 19 pounds of gear
Old Town Sportsman 106 Motorized Kayak
Built for anglers who want motorized navigation without DIY modifications, this 10-foot-6-inch boat integrates a 45-pound-thrust Minn Kota trolling motor into a stable fishing platform. It delivers drill-free electronics mounting and responsive foot steering, though the heavy hull demands extra effort when loading and unloading.
Pros
- Integrated 45-pound-thrust saltwater-ready trolling motor
- Drill-free fish finder setup via pre-routed hull wiring
- Extra-large rudder provides smooth forward and reverse steering
- High 525-pound overall weight capacity
- Comfortable, breathable dual-layer mesh seating
Cons
- Heavy 121-pound hull makes solo transport challenging
- Motor battery and paddle must be purchased separately
- Usable gear and passenger payload limited to 329 pounds
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between total capacity and usable payload capacity on the Sportsman PDL 106?
The Sportsman PDL 106 lists a 450-pound maximum weight capacity and a 343-pound usable capacity for paddlers and tackle. The usable limit accounts for the hull weight, console, and essential displacement required to keep the deck self-bailing and above the waterline. Exceeding the usable capacity pushes the scupper holes below surface level, which leads to pooled water in the standing area.
Can you stand up and cast comfortably in the Sportsman PDL 106?
Yes, the wide DoubleU pontoon hull provides exceptional primary stability for standing. Cushioned EVA deck pads give your boots reliable grip while sight-fishing or working docks. Anglers can transition smoothly from the premium mesh frame seat to a standing posture without feeling the hull rock abruptly.
How do you transport a 107-pound kayak without a trailer?
Removing the 18-pound pedal drive console lightens the hull significantly before loading. Many owners slide the bare hull onto truck beds or secure it to a heavy-duty kayak rack using roller-assist cradles. Using a sturdy scupper-style or bunk kayak cart makes solo movement from parking areas to the water ramp straightforward.
Does the PDL drive console provide instant reverse?
Yes, pedaling backward instantly engages reverse propulsion without pulling any cables or shifting levers. This direct propeller response allows you to hold your position against wind drift or back away from submerged timber while fighting fish. The patented docking mechanism also allows you to unlock and tilt the drive up quickly when entering shallow flats.
Can you install a fish finder without drilling through the hull?
Yes, the universal transducer mounting plate beneath the bow scupper accommodates most standard side-scan and down-scan transducers. Pre-routed hull entry recesses let you run power and sonar cables neatly into battery compartments without drilling custom holes. This factory setup protects the structural integrity of the rotomolded hull while keeping wiring tidy.
Is this kayak capable of handling coastal saltwater environments?
Yes, the materials and sealed pedal console withstand saltwater exposure when properly rinsed with freshwater after each outing. The pontoon hull handles light tidal chop and harbor swells smoothly, while the hand-controlled rudder maintains course in gusty coastal winds. Anglers exploring wide open bays often compare these specs in a old town sportsman pdl 106 kayak review against longer 12-foot and 13-foot hulls built specifically for rolling offshore swells.
About the author
Brooke Hess is an accomplished whitewater kayaker and outdoor writer with years of experience paddling rivers around the world. He has competed internationally in freestyle kayaking and extreme races and has represented the United States in competitive kayaking. His deep understanding of river conditions and paddling performance gives her valuable insight into technical kayaking gear.