Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The Malibu ePDL+ 120 is Old Town’s electric-assist recreational kayak, and it might be the most fun 12 feet of plastic on the water right now. Think of it like an e-bike for the water.
The Malibu ePDL+ 120 is Old Town’s electric-assist recreational kayak, and it might be the most fun 12 feet of plastic on the water right now. Think of it like an e-bike for the water. You can pedal it yourself, let the motor help you, or kick back and let cruise control do all the work.
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
if you want to see what the buzz is about.
This isn’t a hardcore fishing machine. It’s a rec kayak built for exploring, and it happens to fish really well too.
Who This Kayak Is For
This kayak is for the paddler who wants to go farther with less effort. Maybe your knees aren’t what they used to be. Maybe you want to take the kids out without getting exhausted fighting the wind on the way back. Maybe you just want to cover more water in a day.
It’s also great for anglers who want a casual fishing platform that can also be the family fun boat. One boat, two jobs.
The ePDL+ Drive: How It Works
Here’s the part that matters. The ePDL+ drive has three modes. Manual pedal works like a regular pedal kayak. Power-assisted pedal adds electric help to your pedaling across five speed settings. Cruise control lets the motor do everything while you steer.
The 36V 20Ah lithium-ion battery is included and fits inside the hull. Battery life is impressive. On cruise setting 1, Old Town rates it at 46 hours. On setting 3, about 23 hours. Full speed on setting 5 still gets you around 3 hours.
In real terms, you can fish or explore all day without worrying about the battery dying. The drive is saltwater ready, so bay and coastal anglers are covered.
Stability and Handling
The hull is 34.5 inches wide and built for confidence. It feels steady and predictable, which is exactly what you want in a recreational kayak that might carry kids, dogs, or a cooler full of drinks.
Tracking is good thanks to the included rudder and the rudder control knob. Steering is precise, and the hull responds well when you turn. At speed in cruise mode, it moves quicker than you’d expect from a 12-foot boat.
Seat and Comfort
The Element beach-style seat is comfortable, adjustable, and breathable. It keeps you cool on sunny days and supports your back on long paddles. The seat back is 14 inches tall, which gives decent support without getting in the way.
Getting in and out is easy, which matters for a rec boat that gets shared around the family.
Storage and Rigging
Storage is flexible. The bow and stern wells with bungee cordage hold a cooler, a dry bag, or fishing gear. A QuickStash dry hatch in the cockpit keeps your phone and keys safe.
For fishing, you get three flush mount rod holders: one facing forward, two facing back. A universal transducer mount makes fish finder installation simple, and accessory tracks handle rod holders or a camera mount. There are shallow water anchor mounting inserts if you want to add a stake-out pole setup.
Honest Drawbacks
Weight is the big one. At 126 pounds fully assembled, this is not a boat you casually toss on a roof rack alone. The hull alone is 81 pounds, which helps, but the drive weighs 31 pounds and the battery adds 8 more. Plan for a trailer or a buddy.
Capacity is also on the lower side at 349 pounds total, with 223 pounds usable for you and your gear. Bigger anglers or anyone who packs heavy should check their numbers. And yes, it’s an expensive boat. You’re paying for the electric drive technology.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12 ft |
| Width | 34.5 in |
| Weight | 126 lbs (assembled), 81 lbs (hull) |
| Capacity | 349 lbs total |
| Drive Type | Electric-assist pedal (ePDL+) |
Old Town Malibu ePDL+ 120 Fishing Kayak FAQ
How long does the battery last?
Up to 46 hours on cruise setting 1, about 23 hours on setting 3, and around 3 hours on full speed setting 5.
Can I pedal it without the motor?
Yes. Manual pedal mode works like a normal pedal kayak, and you can also just paddle it with a regular paddle.
Is it good for fishing?
Yes. It has rod holders, accessory tracks, a transducer mount, and shallow water anchor inserts. It’s a rec kayak first, but it fishes well.
How heavy is it to transport?
126 pounds assembled. Most owners transport the 81-pound hull separately from the drive and battery, or use a trailer.
Featured Image Alt Text
Paddler cruising in an Old Town Malibu ePDL+ 120 electric-assist kayak on a sunny lake
Where to Buy
If the Old Town Malibu ePDL+ 120 Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
Also check out our reviews of the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak, FluxJet Electric Jet Fishing Kayak, and Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Old Town website for the Old Town Malibu ePDL+ 120.
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