I’ve been hearing rumors for weeks that “something big” was hitting the floors of ICAST 2016 in the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks booth. But with all that “big” talk, I figured a new version of the Big Game 2 was going to be sweeping the talk of the show.
As much as there is love about that boat (see my review of the Big Game 2 here), we love the Predator even more. And now, the latest version of the Predator family with an all-new pedal drive. That’s right the Predator PDL. Check it out. (For other versions of the Predator Line see here).
Photo: The new pedal drive that powers the new Old Town Predator PDL.
Designed off the Predator XL’s motor drive, or at least I presume so looking at how similiar it looks to that, the Predator PDL‘s pedal drive system can be lifted up and out of the way of obstructions like weeds or shallow water.
The bicycle-style system allows an angler to move quickly both forwards or backwards, and based on the video above, it looks like you can really cook.
“Our engineers spent over three years building not only the most durable, dependable, fastest, quietest, and easy-to-use pedal-driven mechanism in the industry, but the perfect hull and boat design complement from the ground up.
Our goal was to create a Predator that offers the best pedal fishing experience on the planet,” said David Hadden, Brand Director for Johnson Outdoors Watercraft.
Photo: The power of the Predator XL, now powered by your feet.
“An easy to carry, operate and stow system that efficiently converts modest pedaling into maximum propulsion,” said Hadden. What does maximum propulsion mean?
How about a speed of 5.5 mph–that’s quick for a kayak. “A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach fishing spots fast and efficiently,” said Hadden. “A proprietary weedless prop design creates the perfect combination of efficiency, speed, and torque.”
That same pedal drive was designed with a small and smooth turn radius to make orienting around structure or landing your boat at the dock. The 16” of draft will allow an angler to get in tight to fish in the shallows.
“A unique pivot and docking system allows users to go from parked to peddling (or vice versa) in seconds,” said Hadden. The 21-pound weight also means you’re not going to break your back once you get back to the take out.
The PDL was designed to be so lightweight that it even floats, should you get into a situation that your derrier can’t cash and flip. Other smart features like padded pedals means you should be able to pedal around all day in barefoot comfort.
Photo: The Old Town Predator PDL, fish hands-free, without registering your boat.
Predator PDL specifications
- Length: 13’ 2”
- Width: 36″
- Weight: 117 lbs. (Pedal Drive: 21 lbs.)
- Carrying Capacity: 500 lbs
- Predator PDL MSRP $2,799.99
- Forward and reverse for exact boat control in wind and current
- Smooth, quiet and easy to pedal
- Removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallow-water docking
- Fast and maneuverable, with one-hand-operated rudder steering
- Specially-designed hull with generous width for stability and storage
- Includes accessory mounting plates, Element Seating System and other standard Predator features
- Ease of transport
- Low maintenance
Photo: The same hull in the Old Town Predator, now powered by your feet. Kick it.
In the press release Old Town says the Predator PDL will begin shipping to dealers in September of this year. Stay tuned for updates on Facebook for the new Predator PDL as we’ll get you more information when the Kayak Angler team hits the floors of ICAST 2016.
Does the pedal setup fit the xl motor hole?? To make it a pedal drive??