Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
If you want a sit-inside kayak with a huge cockpit, a seat you can sit in all afternoon, and enough capacity to bring the dog, the Loon 126 is one of the first boats worth a look. Old Town has been refining the Loon series for about 20 years, and the 126 is the biggest of the current recreational mo
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If you want a sit-inside kayak with a huge cockpit, a seat you can sit in all afternoon, and enough capacity to bring the dog, the Loon 126 is one of the first boats worth a look. Old Town has been refining the Loon series for about 20 years, and the 126 is the biggest of the current recreational models.
If you want to skip the reading and see what it costs right now, check the current price here.
Who the Loon 126 is for
This boat fits recreational paddlers who mostly float lakes, ponds, and slow rivers. The cockpit opening is 56 inches by 23 inches, which is enormous for a sit-inside. Getting in and out is easy, and you can actually reach your gear through the opening while you are sitting down. If you have bad knees or you just hate squeezing into a tight cockpit, that matters more than any other spec on this list.
It is not a fishing-specific kayak. Old Town sells an Angler version of the 126 with rod holders and an anchor trolley. The plain recreational 126 is the better pick if you mostly paddle and only fish once in a while.
Stability and on-the-water feel
At 31 inches wide on a 12-foot-6 hull, the Loon 126 is built for stability over speed. The sharp keel line keeps it tracking straight on open water, so you are not constantly correcting your stroke. I would not call it fast, but it glides fine and handles a breezy afternoon on a lake without much fuss.
One honest note: the sit-inside design keeps you sheltered from wind and spray, which is great for cool mornings. But self-rescue after a flip is harder than on a sit-on-top. Practice re-entry somewhere shallow before you need it for real.
The ACS2 seat is the star of the show
The Active Comfort System 2.0 seat is genuinely one of the best stock seats in recreational kayaks. It has thick padding, under-leg support, ventilation so your back does not sweat through your shirt, and adjustments that are simple to figure out on the fly. Add the thigh pads and the Support Track foot brace system and you get a locked-in, comfortable fit for long days.
Storage and rigging
The removable work deck sits right in front of the cockpit with space for a camera, a tackle tray, and a water bottle. It even has a USB charge port, though you supply your own battery. For the battery, I recommend the WattCycle 12V 100Ah mini LiFePO4 battery with Bluetoothit runs most 12V trolling motors up to 55lb thrust plus a fish finder, and it’s compact and light. A Click Seal stern hatch with a bulkhead keeps clothes and extra layers dry, and bow and stern deck bungees handle bulky stuff like a cooler bag. A paddle clip and drain plug round it out.
Honest drawbacks
At 59 pounds, this is not a light kayak. Loading it on a roof rack solo is doable but you will feel it, especially at the end of a long day. The wide, stable hull trades away some speed, so if you paddle with friends in longer touring boats you may fall behind. And if you are serious about fishing, the Angler version is a better fit than rigging this one up yourself.
Old Town Loon 126 specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12 ft 6 in |
| Width | 31 in |
| Weight | 59 lb |
| Total capacity | 450 lb |
| Usable capacity | 391 lb |
| Cockpit | 56 in x 23 in |
| Deck height | 17.25 in |
| Style | Sit-inside, paddle |
| Seat | Active Comfort System 2.0 |
| Hatch | Stern |
| Material | Three-layer polyethylene |
Frequently asked questions
Old Town Loon 126 Recreational Kayak FAQ
How much weight can the Old Town Loon 126 carry?
Total capacity is 450 lb, but usable capacity is 391 lb. Usable capacity is the number that matters: it is what is left for you, your gear, and the dog after the 59 lb boat itself is accounted for.
Is the Loon 126 good for beginners?
Yes. The wide hull is forgiving, the big cockpit is easy to enter and exit, and the seat is comfortable enough that a long first outing will not punish you.
Can you fish from the Loon 126?
You can, but the standard 126 has no rod holders. If fishing is the main plan, look at the Loon 126 Angler version instead.
How is the USB port powered?
It is charge-ready, but the battery is not included. Plug in your own battery pack and stash it in the work deck hatch.
Where to Buy
If the Old Town Loon 126 Recreational 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, Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak, and Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 Fishing Kayak.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Old Town website for the Old Town Loon 126.
