Old Town BigWater PDL 132 Pedal Kayak

The pedal drive is what sets this Old Town apart. It runs forward and reverse, so you can back out of a snag or hold a spot without grabbing a paddle, and your hands stay free for the rod. The drive unit is removable, which matters when you are hauling the kayak around.

At 13 feet 2 inches, the sit-on-top hull gives you room for gear and cushioned floor pads underfoot. The rated 500 pound maximum works out to 378 pounds usable, so plan your load with that number in mind. Accessory tracks let you rearrange rigging, and there are plenty of rod holders, a tackle box, and a universal transducer mount for a fish finder. The premium mesh seat has lumbar support and an adjustable fit, which counts on a long day on the water.

This is a serious tool for anglers who fish open water or enter tournaments and want reliable control without a paddle in hand. If you mostly paddle small, calm water, it is more boat than you need. The kayak itself is 122 pounds, so loading it onto a roof rack alone takes real effort. Plan on help or a good cart.