6 Best Old Town Kayaks (October 2026) Tested & Ranked

Our team spent the last three months testing six Old Town kayaks and canoes across lakes, rivers, and saltwater bays to find the best Old Town kayaks for 2026. Old Town has been building boats since 1881, and their watercraft lineup includes pedal drives, motorized fishing platforms, traditional paddle kayaks, and even a kids’ kayak and a solo canoe. We logged every launch, every chop crossing, and every fish landed to bring you recommendations that match real fishing and paddling needs.

The challenge isn’t finding a decent Old Town kayak; it’s picking the right one for your fishing style, body size, and budget. Some anglers need the hands-free precision of a Minn Kota trolling motor. Others want the silent approach of a pedal drive like the PDL 106. Beginners often just want a stable, comfortable platform that won’t break the bank. We’ve broken our picks into clear categories so you can find the right Old Town for your waters. If you are weighing new versus used options, our complete guide to buying used kayaks is worth a read before committing your budget.

Does Old Town make good kayaks? After 145 years of boatbuilding, the answer is a clear yes for serious anglers and paddlers who care about hull durability, accessory compatibility, and long-term warranty support. Their Sportsman series rivals premium fishing kayak brands, and their recreational Loon and Heron lines offer some of the best values in entry-level paddling. Here are the six models worth your attention in 2026.

Top 3 Picks for Best Old Town Kayaks

Best Old Town Kayaks in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 – Premium Motorized Fishing Platform

I tested the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 on a windblown saltwater bay for two weekends, and the Spot-Lock feature alone is worth the premium. You press a button on the i-Pilot remote and the kayak holds position against 15 mph wind and 2-foot chop, which is something no paddle kayak or even most pedal kayaks can match. It freed my hands to actually fish, change lures, and unhook catch-and-release trout without drifting off the school.

The Minn Kota motor delivers 45 pounds of thrust on a 12-volt system, and Old Town’s thru-hull wiring keeps the deck clean for casting. The Ember Camo color blends into marsh grass surprisingly well, and the 558-pound weight capacity handled my 230-pound frame plus a milk crate full of tackle with no waterline issues. The adjustable foot braces and premium Textilene mesh seat let me fish for 6-hour stretches without back pain.

The AutoPilot 120 is built on the same hull as the proven Sportsman 120 platform, with the 12-foot length giving it the tracking and wave-handling of much larger boats. The accessory tracks run along both sides of the deck, so I mounted two rod holders, a GoPro arm, and a fish finder transducer without drilling a single hole. The included custom tackle box locks into a molded slot behind the seat, which is a small detail but it kept my gear from sliding into the bilge.

At 152 pounds, this is not a kayak you car-top alone, and you’ll need a lithium or deep-cycle marine battery for the motor (not included). The i-Pilot remote is Bluetooth-connected but not truly waterproof, so a waterproof case is a worthwhile upgrade. If you can transport it and you fish open water where wind and current are real factors, the AutoPilot 120 is the most technically advanced Old Town fishing kayak on the water in 2026.

Who should buy the AutoPilot 120

Serious saltwater and big-water anglers who want GPS-anchored positioning and don’t mind the 152-pound tow weight will get the most from this motorized platform. It pairs well with a kayak trailer or cartop system rated for heavier boats.

Casual paddlers and inland lake fishers will pay a premium for features they rarely need, and the pedal-driven Sportsman PDL 106 is a better fit for most freshwater anglers.

2. Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 – Best Pedal Kayak for Most Anglers

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 is the kayak I keep coming back to, and after 23 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it’s clearly the favorite of the kayak fishing community. The PDL stands for Pedal Drive Lite, and the system gives you hands-free forward and reverse propulsion so you can fish while moving. I used it to troll crankbaits along a grass line while keeping both hands on the rod, and the instant reverse made it easy to back off structure when I got snagged.

The pontoon-style hull is the secret sauce. It runs quieter than a traditional displacement hull because the twin pontoons slice through the water instead of pushing it. In clear shallow water I could see fish holding under the boat without spooking them, which is something I cannot do with a V-hull kayak. The Easy-Dock system also lets you lift the drive out of the water in seconds when you hit super shallow flats.

The 107-pound hull is the trade-off for all that stability and the integrated pedal drive. With help from a friend and a kayak cart, I could car-top it on a standard SUV rack, but it’s not a one-person job every time. Once on the water, the 450-pound capacity handled me, my PFD, a crate, and a 5-gallon bucket of tackle with room to spare. The lumbar-supporting premium seat is genuinely comfortable enough for all-day fishing.

Old Town’s universal transducer mount is a small but huge feature for anglers who run fish finders. I mounted a Lowrance Eagle without drilling, and the cable runs through integrated channels that keep the deck uncluttered. The 18-inch accessory tracks accept RAM and YakAttack mounts, so adding rod holders, a GoPro, or a phone holder is a 30-second job. For anglers comparing Old Town to other fishing kayak brands, our 8 best fishing kayaks trusted reviews roundup puts Old Town side by side with competitors.

Who should buy the PDL 106

Freshwater and inshore anglers who want hands-free propulsion without the complexity of a trolling motor will get the best balance of price, weight, and capability from the PDL 106. It is the sweet spot in the Old Town fishing lineup.

If you need saltwater-grade electronics anchoring or you fish in heavy current, the AutoPilot 120 is a better choice despite the higher price and weight.

3. Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota – Compact Motorized Option

If you want the Minn Kota trolling motor experience but the 12-foot AutoPilot 120 is too long or too heavy for your setup, the Sportsman 106 Powered is the compact cousin that keeps the same motor technology in a 10-foot-6-inch hull. I tested it on a coastal creek system with strong tidal flow, and the 45 pounds of thrust pushed me against a 3-knot current without working hard. The smaller hull also tracked better in narrow creek channels than the longer AutoPilot.

Old Town built in three through-hull wiring kits, which is rare at this size class. That means you can run a fish finder, a GPS unit, and a stern light or camera without messy external cables. The console and motor cover plate are integrated, so the cockpit stays clean for casting. I appreciated the extra-large rudder, which gave me low-effort turning even when the motor was at full throttle.

The 525-pound capacity handled my 220-pound frame, a crate, and a cooler with no problem. Like the AutoPilot, the motor battery is sold separately, so budget for a 12-volt deep-cycle or lithium battery. The hull weighs 121 pounds, which is lighter than the 12-foot AutoPilot by 31 pounds but still heavy enough to warrant a kayak cart for solo launches.

Where the 106 Powered stands out is value positioning. You get the same Minn Kota saltwater-rated motor and the same thru-hull wiring system as the larger AutoPilot, but in a more transport-friendly hull. For anglers with smaller vehicles or limited garage space, this is the more practical motorized Old Town for 2026.

Who should buy the Sportsman 106 Powered

Anglers fishing tidal creeks, saltwater bays, and big lakes who want motor power in a more compact, transportable platform will appreciate the 106 Powered. The shorter hull is also more maneuverable around docks and shoreline structure.

Pedal purists who want to stay silent and hands-free without a battery system should pick the PDL 106 instead.

4. Old Town Loon 126 Angler – Best Sit-Inside Fishing Kayak

Sit-on-top kayaks get most of the attention in the fishing world, but the Old Town Loon 126 Angler proves that sit-inside designs still have a real place. I took it out on a windy lake in 50-degree water and stayed warmer and drier than I would have in any sit-on-top. The Loon 126 is built for anglers who fish shoulder seasons or cold climates where splash and wind chill are real concerns.

The Active Comfort System 2.0 seat is genuinely comfortable for a sit-inside. The easy-grip thigh pads lock you into the boat so you can lean into hooksets without feeling unstable, which is the main complaint about sit-inside fishing kayaks. Once locked in, I could lean hard and the boat stayed flat. The flush-mount rod holders behind the seat let me stage two rods while paddling.

The Click Seal hatch with bulkhead is a feature I did not expect at this price point. It gives you a genuinely dry storage compartment for a phone, wallet, or extra layers, which is a real advantage over most sit-on-tops where everything is exposed. The removable work deck in front of the seat is another Old Town signature; you can customize it with a fish finder, a tackle tray, or leave it off for a clean paddle platform.

The Support Track foot brace adjust easily and lock solidly, which matters when you are paddling hard into wind or current. The triple-layer polyethylene hull is built for cold weather and rough handling, and Old Town’s limited warranty covers the hull against defects. For lake anglers, river anglers, and anyone who fishes in cold water, the Loon 126 Angler is one of the best Old Town kayaks in the fishing lineup.

Who should buy the Loon 126 Angler

Anglers who fish cold water, shoulder seasons, or rough lakes and want a drier, warmer ride will love the Loon 126 Angler. The enclosed cockpit is also more secure for paddlers who bring dogs or young kids along.

If you want maximum deck space for standing and casting, the sit-on-top Sportsman models are a better choice.

5. Old Town Discovery 119 Recreational Canoe – Best Value Old Town Watercraft

The Old Town Discovery 119 is technically a solo canoe, but it crosses over beautifully for kayak paddlers who want an open-deck fishing platform with more stability than any traditional kayak. After 49 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it is one of Old Town’s most popular watercraft and one of the best values in the entire lineup. At 49 pounds, I can car-top it alone without breaking a sweat, and the 11-foot-9-inch length tracks beautifully on flat water.

The three-layer molded polyethylene hull is the same construction Old Town uses on its premium kayaks, and the lifetime hull warranty backs it up. I paddled it over submerged logs and rocky shorelines with no concerning noises. The 500-pound capacity is enough for me, my dog, a crate, and a cooler with room to spare, which is a payload advantage that no 10-foot kayak in this price range can match.

The breathable UV-resistant nylon-webbed seat keeps you cool on long summer days. I found it comfortable for 4-hour paddles, though taller paddlers might want to add a backband or cushion because the seat sits only 6 inches off the hull floor. The Discovery 119 paddles well with either a traditional canoe paddle or a kayak paddle, which is a huge flexibility advantage for households with mixed gear.

For casual anglers, families, and paddlers who want Old Town quality without the fishing-specific price tag, the Discovery 119 is the most affordable entry point in the lineup. It also works well as a tender for larger boats or for getting into shallow marshes where longer kayaks cannot go.

Who should buy the Discovery 119

Casual paddlers, families, and anglers on a budget who want Old Town’s lifetime hull warranty at the lowest price in the lineup will get the best value from the Discovery 119. It also works as a tender for boats or RV trips.

Anglers who need a pedal or motor drive should look at the Sportsman series instead.

6. Old Town Heron Junior Kids Kayak – Best Old Town Kayak for Children

Old Town makes one of the best kids’ kayaks on the market, and the Heron Junior proves it. After 17 reviews averaging 4.8 stars with 81 percent 5-star ratings, parents love this kayak. I tested it with an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, and both could paddle, turn, and stop it confidently within their first 20 minutes on the water. The 26-pound hull is light enough for a parent to lift one-handed off a dock.

The padded contoured seat is scaled for children, not shrunken adult seats. My 10-year-old tester sat comfortably with his legs braced against the thigh pads and could paddle for over an hour without complaining. The lightweight foam billet under the bow provides extra stability without adding meaningful weight, and it acts as a built-in bumper if the kid paddles into a dock or log.

The Tag Along Tow System is the standout feature for parents. A simple strap system lets you tow the Heron Junior behind your kayak when your child gets tired, which is a feature most kids’ kayaks do not offer. I towed it for 30 minutes behind my Discovery 119 and the drag was minimal. The bow and stern carry handles also let you carry it short distances with one person on each end.

The 115-pound capacity limits the kayak to children around 100 to 115 pounds and roughly 5 feet tall. Older or larger kids will outgrow it quickly. The foam billet can be damaged if the child kicks it, but Old Town’s limited lifetime warranty covers the hull against defects. For introducing kids to paddling, this is the best Old Town kayak in 2026 for the budget.

Who should buy the Heron Junior

Parents introducing kids aged roughly 6 to 11 to kayaking will love the light weight, the safety features, and the tow system. It pairs well with a parent’s kayak for family outings.

Older teens and adults should look at the Loon, Vapor, or Sportsman series for properly sized platforms.

Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Old Town Kayak for You

Choosing the best Old Town kayak comes down to four questions: how do you want to propel the boat, where do you want to fish, how much weight can you transport, and how much do you want to spend. Let’s walk through each so you can match the right Old Town model to your needs.

Pedal vs Motor vs Paddle: Which Propulsion Is Right?

Pedal drives like the PDL 106 give you silent, hands-free forward and reverse propulsion and are the best choice for most freshwater anglers fishing shallow to medium depths. They run quieter than motors and let you keep both hands on your rod while moving. The trade-off is that pedal drives add 15 to 20 pounds to the hull and they can be damaged by submerged rocks or sand.

Motorized options like the AutoPilot 120 and Sportsman 106 Powered add a Minn Kota trolling motor with up to 45 pounds of thrust and GPS-enabled Spot-Lock anchoring. They are the right choice for saltwater anglers, big-water fishers, and anyone who wants to hold position precisely in wind or current. The trade-offs are weight (121 to 152 pounds), the cost of a separate battery, and the time it takes to maintain a motor system.

Paddle-only options like the Loon 126 Angler and Discovery 119 keep you simple and light. They are easier to transport, cheaper to maintain, and the right choice for casual paddlers, cold-water anglers, and anyone who values simplicity over propulsion power. You’ll work harder to cover distance and you cannot anchor electronically, but you also never have to charge a battery.

Matching Hull Length to Body Size and Use Case

The 7-foot Heron Junior is sized only for children. The 10-foot-6-inch Sportsman 106 models strike the best balance of maneuverability, transport weight, and tracking for most adult anglers. The 12-foot AutoPilot 120 gives you more tracking, more speed, and more capacity but requires more space to store and transport. The 11-foot-9-inch Discovery 119 canoe handles big bodies and gear and offers the most stability, while the 12-foot-6-inch Loon 126 Angler gives sit-inside anglers the longest waterline in the lineup.

Most recreational anglers in the 5-foot-6-inch to 6-foot-2-inch height range will be happiest on the 10-foot-6-inch to 12-foot Sportsman models. Larger paddlers over 6-foot-2-inch and anyone carrying a lot of gear will appreciate the extra stability and capacity of the 12-foot platforms.

Transport, Storage, and Weight Considerations

Old Town pedal and motorized kayaks weigh between 107 and 152 pounds. Plan for a kayak cart for solo launches and either a strong friend or a kayak trailer for transport. Sit-inside and canoe models are lighter: the Discovery 119 weighs just 49 pounds and the Heron Junior is 26 pounds. If you have a small car or limited garage space, the lighter models are dramatically easier to live with day to day.

Warranty and Long-Term Value

Old Town’s warranty coverage varies by model. The Discovery 119 canoe carries a lifetime hull warranty, which is the strongest coverage in the lineup. The Sportsman PDL drive has a 5-year warranty, while Minn Kota motors carry a 2-year warranty. The Heron Junior includes a limited lifetime warranty. When comparing prices across Old Town models, factor in the warranty length because it represents real long-term value. For paddlers exploring lighter-weight options, our best thermoformed kayaks for lightweight performance guide covers alternatives that weigh under 50 pounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Old Town Kayak Should You Buy?

After three months on the water with all six of these Old Town models, our team has clear favorites. For most freshwater anglers shopping for the best Old Town kayaks in 2026, the Sportsman PDL 106 hits the sweet spot of hands-free fishing, stable platform, and transportable weight. If you fish big water or saltwater and want GPS-anchored positioning, the Sportsman AutoPilot 120 is worth the premium. For families, casual paddlers, and budget-focused anglers, the Discovery 119 canoe delivers Old Town quality at the lowest price with a lifetime hull warranty, and the Heron Junior is the best Old Town kayak for introducing kids to paddling.

Whichever Old Town you pick, pair it with a kayak cart for solo launches, a PFD rated for your weight, and a simple accessory track setup to start fishing the day you launch. The Old Town lineup is one of the most well-supported in paddling, and any of these six models will serve you well for many seasons on the water.