Old Town Kayaks Review | Epic Kayaks or Flop?

Old Town is one of the trusted brands when it comes to producing quality kayak products that have been in the industry since 1898. Kayaking is a fun activity to do that you can add to your camping itinerary so you can unwind your mind, relax, and enjoy the picturesque nature while paddling on calm waters.

You can have quality bonding moments with your friends and family over your weekend outing and leave the stress of the daily hustle of the city. Kayak boats such as Vapor Recreational Kayak and the Topwater 106 PDL Angler Fishing Kayak can give you a fun water experience if you want to tour the area or go fishing for your camp’s dinner.

Old Town can provide you with the right quality equipment that you can use for your outdoor activities.    

Old Town has a lot to offer when it comes to its kayak products, providing you with the durable materials and the right features that you will need while padding. The list below is the top ten kayak products by Old Town that you can choose from for your weekend camping trip: 

The Top 10 Old Town Kayaks Reviewed

  1. 10 Vapor Recreational Kayak by Old Town – Best Overall
  2. Topwater 106 PDL Angler Fishing Kayak by Old Town – Best Value
  3. Dirigo 120 Recreational Kayak by Old Town – Editor’s Choice
  4. Dirigo Tandem Plus Recreational Kayak by Old Town 
  5. Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota Motorized Fishing Kayak by Old Town
  6. Castine 145 Touring Kayak by Old Town 
  7. Loon 106 Recreational Kayak by Old Town
  8. Loon 126 Angler Fishing Kayak by Old Town
  9. Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak by Old Town
  10. Heron 11XT Recreational Kayak by Old Town

1. 10 Vapor Recreational Kayak by Old Town – Best Overall

Old Town Kayak 10 Vapor Recreational

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The 10 Vapor Recreational is for a single-user kayak experience best used if you want to have an adventure paddling your way on quiet waters such as ponds, lakes, and calm water of rivers. It is made from materials like single-layer linear polyethylene to enhance its durability, and it can provide you with good stability in the water. It has a padded seat that can be adjusted so you can find the best set-up that is comfortable for you and it also has a cockpit rim feature so you can rest your paddle when it is not in use. To give you good control while kayaking, it has thigh and knee pads so you can comfortably fit on the kayak while paddling. This kayak also has adjustable foot braces to help you secure your position while rowing. 

This kayak has a cup holder on its cockpit dash so you can keep yourself hydrated at all times. It also has storage where you can put your small essential items, and it has an area for bungee for your iPad storage so you can bring it while paddling. You don’t need to worry about getting yourself wet while riding this kayak since it has a higher cockpit rim to keep you and your things dry and above the water. The 10 Vapor Recreational weighs 53 pounds so you can put it on top of your car for your trip.    


2. Topwater 106 PDL Angler Fishing Kayak by Old Town – Best Value

Old Town Kayak Topwater 106 PDL Angler Fishing Kayak

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Old Town’s Topwater 106 PDL Angler Fishing Kayak provides you with a comfortable and easy to maneuver kayak perfect for your fishing activities. You can easily drive the kayak around by pedaling it to go forward or take a reverse. It provides you with a system to help you easily dock so you can have a better fishing performance while doing it hands-free. This kayak has a lot of features to offer such as its oversized stern tank well so you can store your gears and storage that can fit three of your rods and tackle. You can adjust the air seat of the kayak, and its deck is covered with EVA foam pads to give your feet traction and better comfort while standing.    

You can easily transport this kayak, and it is designed to have an ultra-stable double-hull design to give you good stability. The Topwater 106 PDL Angler Fishing Kayak is measured ten ft. by six inches and has a maximum loading capacity of 450 pounds so you can ride it knowing that it can handle you and your bucket of fish.


3. Dirigo 120 Recreational Kayak by Old Town – Editor’s Choice

Old Town Kayak Dirigo 120 Recreational Kayak

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This product called the Dirigo 120 Recreational Kayak by Old Town is both suitable for beginners and expert paddlers. This kayak has a spacious cockpit area, and it is designed so you can easily paddle on the water while keeping your stable balance. It provides you with a click-seal hatch feature with a bulkhead and a glove box hatch so you can bring your important items such as your phone and car keys. It is also equipped with a paddle keeper, and it has a safety line perimeter. Its seat is made from contoured poly, and it has thigh pads that are easy to grip so you can have a comfortable kayaking experience even if you kayak the whole day. 

The kayak has a foot brace system to provide you with additional control and leverage. It has padding, and you have a three-layer polyethylene feature to give you an efficient and stable ride. This kayak has a maximum of 350 pounds for its loading capacity and is sized twelve ft. in length. Old Town provides its customers with a limited warranty so you can report the product if you have an issue with it.  


4. Dirigo Tandem Plus Recreational Kayak by Old Town

Old Town Kayak Dirigo Tandem Plus Recreational Kayak

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Suppose you want to have fun company while kayaking, you can try out this Dirigo Tandem Plus Recreational Kayak. Having two people in the kayak will not be a problem since it is designed to have a non-confining cockpit area so you can keep your space and relax throughout the whole activity. For a comfortable all-day experience on the water, it provides you with a contoured poly seat feature and a thigh pad that has an easy grip. This kayak has a lot of features to offer such as its glove box for small objects, deck bungee, click seal hatch together with a bulkhead, a paddle, and a cup holder. 

With a measurement of fifteen ft. by three inches, this kayak has a maximum loading capacity of 475 pounds so it can accommodate two people in a ride. You can also remove its child seat and move forward to the stern seat if you want to have a solo ride.


5. Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota Motorized Fishing Kayak by Old Town

Old Town Kayak Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota Motorized Fishing Kayak

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Another Old Town kayak product that is perfect for your fishing activities is the Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota Motorized Fishing Kayak. This product can be used even at sea if you want to bring it to your beach outing since its trolling motor is suitable for salt waters and it is powered by a 12-volt motor with a thrust of 45 pounds. This kayak has its floor equipped with cushioned pads for better grip and comfort, a tackle box, and also holders for your rod. It also has a universal transducer mount feature that will let you quickly mount the fish finder. The seat of the kayak has a dual layer of Textilene mesh to keep you comfortable in the water all day, and you can adjust its foot braces for better control and steering for both forward and reverse movements in the water.

The Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota Motorized Fishing Kayak is measured 10 ft. by 6 inches and has a maximum load capacity of 525 pounds so you can bring your essential gears.  


6. Castine 145 Touring Kayak by Old Town

Old Town Kayak Castine 145 Touring Kayak

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Old Town’s Castine 145 Touring Kayak can provide you with a comfortable and balanced kayaking experience. This product is designed to accommodate large-sized paddlers with its low-profile backrest feature and a cockpit where you can comfortably rest your legs. It has a bow and a  cross lock that has a stern quick seal hatch, removable day storage, and also a carrying handle so you can carry it from your car to the dock of the lake. You can use a rudder with this product if you want to enhance your control, especially during rough water conditions. The kayak has a maximum of 450 pounds for its loading capacity, and it measured 14 ft. by 6 inches.       


7. Loon 106 Recreational Kayak by Old Town

Old Town Kayak Loon 106 Recreational Kayak

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For more advanced and efficient use, this product has a deck that has a sharp keel line feature together with a triple-layer polyethylene hull feature. It offers you a comfortable seat and an easy-to-grip thigh pad for its cockpit. You can remove its deck if you want to have more space while kayaking or if you want to use it for storage purposes and other customizations. This kayak has the essential features that you will need such as a bow and stern for its carry handles and bungee, a click seal hatch together with a bulkhead, paddle clip, and a drain plug. It also has a foot brace system feature to provide you with more control and leverage while riding the kayak.   

You can use this kayak for tour purposes and take photos of scenic pictures of the water without worrying about your phone’s battery since the kayak has a USB port to keep your phone charged. It is sized ten ft. by six inches and 325 pounds for its maximum loading capacity.


8. Loon 126 Angler Fishing Kayak by Old Town

Old Town Kayak Loon 126 Angler Fishing Kayak

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The Loon 126 Angler Fishing Kayak is a piece of advanced watercraft equipment suitable for fishing purposes with its sharp keel line characteristics and triple-layer polyethylene hull feature. It has a comfortable seat and cockpit that has an easy-grip feature for its thigh pads. This product has specific features that anglers would like such as its flush-mount rod holders, click seal hatch with a bulkhead, a bow, and stern for its carrying handles, and an anchor system. It also has a support track for its foot brace feature to provide you with better stability while riding. 

You can remove its work deck if you want space for your storage or other added customization for the kayak. This product is sized 12 ft. by six inches and has a maximum loading capacity of 450 pounds.    


9. Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak by Old Town

Old Town Kayak Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak

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If you want a quiet and stable pedal kayak, you can opt for the Sportsman PDF 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak. This product has a pontoon-style design hull that you can easily use it in moving forward and reverse for better navigation and a hands-free fishing experience. This kayak is equipped with the necessary features that you will need, such as cushioned pads for its floor, holders for your rod, a custom tackle box, and other accessory tracks. It has a transducer mounting system feature for easier fishing, and it provides you with a system for easier and less hassle docking of your kayak. 

The Sportsman PDF 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak has a seat and provides you with enough space so you can stretch your leg so can stay comfortable even if you stay all day in the water. This kayak product has a size of ten ft. by six inches and has a maximum loading capacity of 450 pounds. This product is light enough to be put on the top of your car so you can bring it when traveling. 


10. Heron 11XT Recreational Kayak by Old Town

Old Town Kayak Heron 11XT Recreational Kayak

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If you are still a beginner when it comes to kayaking and you want to have one that can be bought at an affordable price, you can opt for the Heron 11XT Recreational Kayak by Old Town. This product has the right features and will provide you with the comfort that you need if you want a relaxing kayak experience. You can adjust its seat to the position you feel most comfortable in, and it has an easy-grip thigh pads feature. It has a carrying handle, cup holder, a built-in rod holder, and also a click seal hatch for your storage so you can stay equipped while in water. For additional leverage and control, while using the kayak, it has an advanced support track feature for its foot brace system. 

With a measurement of 11 ft., this product has a maximum loading capacity of 325 pounds. 


Buyer’s Guide Section: What Are the Things You Need to Know When Buying a Kayak

If you have no idea what features to look for when buying a kayak for yourself, this guide will help you know the essential factors that need to be considered. 

Sit on Top or Sit Inside Option for Your Kayak

There are two options that you can choose for your seat while using your kayak, and that is to sit on top of it or sit inside the kayak. The top type of kayak has an open deck, and it is recommended if you are a tall person or if you are a larger paddler. This type has more room to offer so you can stretch out your legs and you can easily get in and out of the kayak. They sit on top and are ideal for angling purposes. 

On the other hand, sitting inside a type of kayak will keep you dry and warm as you use the kayak. It provides you with a storage structure to place your gear. This type is recommended to use if you plan to paddle on longer distances, especially in cold water conditions.

Do You Want a Recreational or Touring Type of Kayak?

Recreational types of kayak are shorter in length, but it is wider and can provide you with more stability. This type also has more on its cockpits and is easier to transport wherever you intend to use it. Touring types have longer lengths, and it has narrower shapes so that they can move faster in the water. It has leg and thigh braces to provide you with better control while turning and edging on water. It also offers more storage for your items and can be comfortable to use, especially in a long period of kayaking adventures.    

What Type of Propels Do You Want for Your Kayak?

Pedal

Pedal type is the same as riding a bike. With the help of its PDL drive system feature, you can easily pedal forward and reverse while keeping your hands free so you can use it while fishing.

Paddle

Paddle types can be used for touring, fishing, or if you want a water experience. You can manually paddle your way to move your kayak on the water although this type may cause you more effort than the others.  

Motorized

If you want less physical effort, you can opt for a motorized type of kayak. You can use this type for longer distances, and it can provide you with a more stable ride even with heavy wind and strong water currents.  

The performance or Recreational Angler Type Purposes 

Performance tires are made for fishing purposes since they can give you a more stable and comfortable ride. It also has an option for more flexible mounting accessories and other electronic features, and it can provide you with different driving options. On the other hand, recreational is a more affordable type that can still provide you with the right features. This type is lightweight to use so you can easily transport it or put it on top of your car for your weekend adventures. It is also made with a sit-inside type of cockpit to keep you warm. 

Consider the Product Specifications of Your Kayak

Length

There are different benefits and uses based on the length of the kayak. Shorter lengths are easier to control your turns and maneuver. Having a longer length the kayak gives you a faster ride since it can easily cut through the wind and water for more efficient performance. 

Width

Narrow hulls can cut through the water so you can effectively track. Wider hulls, on the other hand, will provide you with more stability. Wider hulls are recommended to use if you plan to go fishing so you can easily stand on the kayak. 

Weight

The benefit of using a lightweight kayak is that it is easier to store and you can transport it easily. On the other hand, heavier types of kayaks are made from materials that will improve the durability and strength of the kayak. 

Maximum Loading Capacity

It is important to consider the maximum load capacity since you need to know if it can handle you together with the essential things you need to bring.

Warranty

It is important to consider the warranty offer of the kayak product you intend to buy so you can ask for a replacement in case it has a defect upon purchase.


Old Town: History of Company

Old Town has been operating its business since 1898 which was inspired by the watercraft built by Penobscot. The goal of this brand is to produce quality and innovative boat products, which have been its legacy since it started. In the late 1800s, the first canoe that they created was made from wood and canvas, which gained the favor of the public since it is more durable and can be used with low maintenance. For a few years, this company was known as Indian Old Town Canoe Co. then it was transformed to Robertson Old Town Canoe Co. until it was changed in 1903 to Old Town Canoe Co. In the early 1900s, canoeing as an outdoor activity gained popularity in the U.S. which led to the production of different colors and designs on different product models of Old Town.  

With over 100 years of producing different types of watercraft, Old Town products are still made by manual hand to ensure that your boat is customized and of quality. Old Town has been continuously evolving to produce quality watercraft products to match your outdoor activities and continuously be part of your life throughout the years.


Conclusion

In conclusion, Old Town is a good product to put your trust in choosing the right kayak for your outdoor activities. With over 100 years of experience in making quality watercraft products, you can make sure that your kayak is safe and efficient to use. You can have quality bonding moments with your loved ones while using Old Town products and also enjoying the scenic picture nature can offer. Old Town will continually evolve as the years pass by to provide you with the right watercraft that will suit your needs.     


FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does the paddle of the kayak come together with the package?

No, usually the paddle of the kayak of the Old Town products are separately purchased. 

What does the warranty cover of the Old Town products and to whom does it apply?

The limited warranty offer of Old Town only extends to the customers of original retail. Its warranty only covers material factory defects of your newly purchased product. 

Can saltwater damage your Old Town boat?

No, salt water will not cause any damage to the components of your kayak with a short exposure. However, it is important to rinse the boat after you use it in saltwater since it can cause discoloration to your boat and prevent corrosion of its components in the long run.

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