I had to pause the video and make a comment when I saw your voltage converter and you said it went to the Ryobi battery. I have made the same thing using that and an adapter to an Ego 56 V battery to power a trolling motor and it's fantastic! It just snaps into the Ego battery. I looked up your video because I just switched to this kayak a few days ago and always looking for some tips. Anyway, keep up the innovation!
I have had my PDL 106 for a couple of years now and I love it. Thanks for lots of useful tips. One nitpick though. Old Town does not recommend transporting with the PDL or seat mounted on the yak my dealer echoed this advice. I use a 5 x 8 utility trailer lined with outdoor carpet. There is room to store the PDL, the seat and my Malone cart next to it. The Navarre PDL hole plate is pretty useful when paddling.
Thanks, on the seat, I was not told that and didnt see it anywhere but its one of those things where Im willing to risk the consequences. I dont see how it could damage the hull, and if it blew away I would just buy another seat. Im looking for speed getting on and off the water.
I have the Navarre pdl plate that fits in the hole when the pdl is up. The drive rests on it during transport and when launching and coming in, it stores under the seat while fishing. I also put a small piece of sliced pool noodle on the skeg of the drive to prevent hard surface wear on the plate. I then wrap a bungee cord to the bottom seat bar and wrap it around the drive console. That keeps it from bouncing or shaking during driving and eliminates the need to remove it and put it in the car. sounds like a lot of work but after a few times it becomes automatic. I also wrapped my wilderness cart bars with zip tied pool noodle, that keeps it from sliding by giving it a snugger fit. A short bungee will hold your seat back down while traveling also.
Idk if anyone mentioned it or if you did it already but you could add Velcro to the bottom of your tub and the kayak for your fishfinder tub in the front
I can't.. maybe 1 rod, but it would be a pain to remove. All my rods are collapsable or 2 piece because I drove a sedan last season. I have an SUV now, so I can start switching to 1 piece rods. I think people buy a big 6 inch or so PBC pipe, make lids for it and pack their rods in that.
Not positive this is the solution for you, but turn the PDL drive around when transporting. So the propeller is actually on top of the front hatch. Yes there is still some movement to deal with, but at least you don’t have to worry about the drive coming out of the clip and falling down through the drive hole
Good stuff! Question though.........are your gopro mounts up in the front just attached with double sided tape! If so, how they holding up to the water?
The GoPro mounts are held using sticky backings. Havent had one fail, but i usually have a lanyard with a carabiner clipped to the bungie cord for the front hatch. If one gets wet, I have the gopro warranty. i just need to not lose them.
Excellent review! I have the same Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL. Two years now and love it. You gave me some great ideas. Thank you!!
I had to pause the video and make a comment when I saw your voltage converter and you said it went to the Ryobi battery. I have made the same thing using that and an adapter to an Ego 56 V battery to power a trolling motor and it's fantastic! It just snaps into the Ego battery.
I looked up your video because I just switched to this kayak a few days ago and always looking for some tips.
Anyway, keep up the innovation!
I have had my PDL 106 for a couple of years now and I love it. Thanks for lots of useful tips. One nitpick though. Old Town does not recommend transporting with the PDL or seat mounted on the yak my dealer echoed this advice. I use a 5 x 8 utility trailer lined with outdoor carpet. There is room to store the PDL, the seat and my Malone cart next to it. The Navarre PDL hole plate is pretty useful when paddling.
Thanks, on the seat, I was not told that and didnt see it anywhere but its one of those things where Im willing to risk the consequences. I dont see how it could damage the hull, and if it blew away I would just buy another seat. Im looking for speed getting on and off the water.
Absolutely love my 106 PDL! Great review!
Great tip on using the Ryobi battery for the fish finder, I'll do that too.
Also that part of the PDL drive where its getting hit Oldtown sell replace parts as they are meant to take a beating and be replaced.
I have the Navarre pdl plate that fits in the hole when the pdl is up. The drive rests on it during transport and when launching and coming in, it stores under the seat while fishing. I also put a small piece of sliced pool noodle on the skeg of the drive to prevent hard surface wear on the plate.
I then wrap a bungee cord to the bottom seat bar and wrap it around the drive console. That keeps it from bouncing or shaking during driving and eliminates the need to remove it and put it in the car. sounds like a lot of work but after a few times it becomes automatic.
I also wrapped my wilderness cart bars with zip tied pool noodle, that keeps it from sliding by giving it a snugger fit.
A short bungee will hold your seat back down while traveling also.
Perfect timing, I just brought my kayak inside to start playing around with options while its still winter time. Thanks!
Good job on all of that from the trailer to cameras-all we need is the weather
You should check out Yak Hobby for mounts and kayak parts as well Navarre fishing.
Idk if anyone mentioned it or if you did it already but you could add Velcro to the bottom of your tub and the kayak for your fishfinder tub in the front
I did that I think the day I recorded this and it has held up great.
Sick yak. I just picked one up myself. Super happy with it
Can you store rods in the hull? My 7' rods don't fit in the cab of my truck and I don't want to leave them loose in the bed.
I can't.. maybe 1 rod, but it would be a pain to remove. All my rods are collapsable or 2 piece because I drove a sedan last season. I have an SUV now, so I can start switching to 1 piece rods. I think people buy a big 6 inch or so PBC pipe, make lids for it and pack their rods in that.
The sportsman 120 can store rods in the hull since it has a larger hatch opening
Not positive this is the solution for you, but turn the PDL drive around when transporting. So the propeller is actually on top of the front hatch. Yes there is still some movement to deal with, but at least you don’t have to worry about the drive coming out of the clip and falling down through the drive hole
I actually made a device that fits this perfect and doesn't wiggle at all while transporting.
ua-cam.com/video/C4tVG1bxd0Q/v-deo.html
They make bushings for stabilizing pedal drive
Great job lots of info Thank you. Having trouble trying to find the pdl break away lock could you give me more info on the correct name
navarrekayakfishing.com/shop/old-town-flexible-locking-knob/
Love the Oldtown sportsman pdl kayaks. What part of Maine are you from ? Ellsworth area here . Good luck this season
Good stuff! Question though.........are your gopro mounts up in the front just attached with double sided tape! If so, how they holding up to the water?
The GoPro mounts are held using sticky backings. Havent had one fail, but i usually have a lanyard with a carabiner clipped to the bungie cord for the front hatch. If one gets wet, I have the gopro warranty. i just need to not lose them.
NewSUB, good stuff, nice rig