Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
When the wind kicks up and the lake turns to chop, most kayaks make you work for every cast. The Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 was built for exactly those days.
When the wind kicks up and the lake turns to chop, most kayaks make you work for every cast. The Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 was built for exactly those days. At 13 feet 2 inches with a tri-hull design and Old Town’s proven PDL pedal drive, it is one of the most capable big-water pedal kayaks you can buy.
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Want to see what it costs? . The full review below covers specs, stability, the pedal drive, and the honest downsides.
Who the BigWater PDL 132 Is For
This is the kayak for anglers who fish big, open water. Large lakes, reservoirs, coastal bays, anywhere the wind and waves can turn a small kayak into a handful. If you want to pedal hands-free while you cast, troll, or work structure, the PDL drive earns its keep. It is also a strong pick for bigger anglers who want a stable, high-capacity platform with room to move.
Stability: Confident in Chop
The tri-hull design is the star here. It gives you solid primary stability for standing and casting, plus the secondary stability to handle waves and boat wakes without drama. At 36 inches wide with a long 13-foot-2 waterline, it tracks straight and feels planted when conditions get rough.
Seat Comfort
Old Town’s Element seat is one of the most comfortable in the business. It is breathable and quick-drying, fully adjustable, and slides on a track so you can dial in your leg length for the pedals. Good pedal ergonomics matter on long days, and the seat delivers. There is also a custom tackle box that fits underneath, so your most-used lures stay within reach.
Storage and Rigging
The BigWater PDL 132 is rigged like a boat that expects you to stay out all day. You get a sealed bow hatch for dry storage, a large stern tankwell for a crate or cooler, and four accessory tracks for mounting rod holders, graphs, and cameras. Three flush-mount rod holders come standard. The center console has removable containers, a cup holder, and splash-proof storage with a magnetized spot for hooks and lures. A universal transducer mount makes fish finder installation easy.
Pedal Drive Performance
Old Town’s PDL drive is one of the most reliable pedal systems on the market, with instant forward and reverse and no cables to pull. The tall gear ratio means you cover water efficiently with each pedal stroke. A rudder comes included and is steered by hand controls, which keeps you tracking straight in crosswinds.
Honest Drawbacks
Weight is the big one. The assembled boat is 122 pounds, so you will want a cart and ideally a trailer or truck bed. It is also a big boat to turn in tight creeks, so this is not the pick for skinny water.
BigWater PDL 132 Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 13′ 2″ |
| Width | 36″ |
| Weight | 122 lbs (assembled) |
| Capacity | 500 lbs |
| Drive type | PDL pedal drive (paddle backup) |
Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak FAQ
How much does the BigWater PDL 132 weigh?
It weighs 122 pounds fully assembled. The pedal drive and seat remove for easier transport.
Can you stand and fish in the BigWater PDL 132?
Yes. The tri-hull design and EVA deck pads make it a stable standing platform, even in chop.
Does the BigWater PDL 132 come with a rudder?
Yes. A rudder is included and steered with hand controls.
Is the PDL drive reliable?
Old Town’s PDL drive is widely regarded as one of the most reliable pedal drives available, with instant forward and reverse and no cables to pull.
Where to Buy
If the Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 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 120 Fishing Kayak, and Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 10 Fishing Kayak.
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