Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
The Sportsman BigWater 132 is Old Town’s big-water paddle kayak, and the name tells you exactly what it is for. At 13 feet 2 inches with a wide tri-hull, this is the boat you grab when the wind picks up and smaller kayaks start getting pushed around.
The Sportsman BigWater 132 is Old Town’s big-water paddle kayak, and the name tells you exactly what it is for. At 13 feet 2 inches with a wide tri-hull, this is the boat you grab when the wind picks up and smaller kayaks start getting pushed around.
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
Quick note before we go further: this is the paddle version, not the PDL pedal-drive model. If you want hands-free pedaling, Old Town makes that too, but it costs a lot more. .
I like this boat for one simple reason. It does the basics right. It tracks straight, it stays stable when you stand, and it has a place to put everything.
Who It Is For
Anglers who fish lakes, bays, and coastal water and do not want to pay pedal-drive money. If you cover a couple of miles on a calm day and mostly cast seated or standing, the paddle version saves you a pile of cash versus the PDL.
Stability
The tri-hull design is the whole story. Three contact points with the water give you primary stability that feels planted. I have stood in this hull in chop and never felt that tippy moment. The EVA foam deck pads help too. They grip your feet and deaden sound when you shift your weight to cast.
Comfort and the Element Seat
The Element seat is breathable and fully adjustable, and it dries fast after you get splashed. The seat back is on the shorter side, so do not expect a big recliner. For a full day of paddling it does the job, and the adjustable foot braces let you dial in your leg position.
Storage and Rigging
You get a sealed bow hatch, a center Mod Pod console with two removable containers, a cup holder, and splashproof storage, plus a big stern tankwell for a crate or cooler. Six accessory tracks (four forward, two rear) give you room for rod holders, a fish finder, and a camera. Three flush-mount rod holders come standard, and rod tip holders with bungees in the bow and stern keep spare rods out of the way. A custom tackle box is included and fits under the seat.
Paddling Performance
Here is the surprise: for a 34-inch-wide boat, it paddles easier than you would think. The tri-hull tracks well and the bow cuts through light chop. You will not win any races, but you will get to your spot without wearing yourself out. The side-mounted paddle clip and molded paddle rest keep the paddle handy when you pick up the rod.
Honest Drawbacks
At 86 pounds assembled, it is heavy to car-top alone. A bed extender or trailer makes life much easier. The 425-pound total capacity leaves about 339 pounds of usable capacity after the boat’s weight, so bigger anglers with lots of gear should do the math. And obviously, there is no pedal drive. In wind or current, your hands stay busy.
Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 Fishing Kayak FAQ
Is the BigWater 132 stable enough to stand in?
Yes. The tri-hull and EVA foam deck are made for stand-up fishing.
What is the weight capacity?
425 lbs total, about 339 lbs of usable capacity after the boat’s own weight.
Does it come with a pedal drive?
No. This version is paddle-powered. The BigWater 132 PDL is the pedal model.
How much does it weigh?
86 lbs assembled. The seat removes for transport and weighs about 6 lbs on its own.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 13’2″ |
| Width | 34″ |
| Weight | 86 lbs |
| Capacity | 425 lbs |
| Drive type | Paddle |
Where to Buy
If the Old Town Sportsman BigWater 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, 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 Sportsman BigWater 132.
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