[ICAST 2023] Best New Watercraft – Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+

The new Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ was voted as Best of Category in Boats and Watercraft in the ICAST 2023 New Product Showcase earlier this month. This new kayak is built upon the original Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132, an already well-established and popular fishing kayak. Listening to user feedback Old Town tweaked the kayak to improve it in the new BigWater ePDL+. The big change is the new ePDL+ system, a combination of an electric motor and pedal drive system. A new power-assisted pedal drive that seamlessly switches between manual pedal, power-assisted pedal, or fully motorized cruise control. It gives anglers a great amount of freedom on the water to move the way they want.

Need to go a long way off from the launch site, and go into light to moderate power-assist mode to get you to the spot without working too hard before the fishing has started. Need to race back to the launch or chase a school of fish, crank up the ePDL+, and get moving quick. Worn out after a long day, just set the drive into cruise control mode and let it motor you wherever you need. The new ePDL+ drive lets you make the choice of where you want to go, not a battery or your legs. The Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ comes in three colors; Steel Camo, Ember Camo, and Marsh Camo, and has an MSRP of $5999. They should start shipping out in January 2024.

Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ Key Features

• Power Assist Pedal Drive – Equipped with 5-speed settings, salt-water ready
• Rudder Control Knob – Ergonomic steering with a locking mechanism to hold your rudder position
• Motorized Cruise Control – Once engaged, no pedaling is needed in Cruise Mode
• Transducer Mount – Universal to fit your Humminbird and other fish finders
• Large Stern Tankwell – Optimized to accept a variety of crates and coolers
• Ready for Rigging – Drill your own or use one of the two pre-drilled accessory tracks
• Non-Slip Cushioned EVA Foam Pad – Better comfort and grip for stand-up fishing
• Battery Included – Compact, powerful lightweight Li-Ion with charger fits in hull
• Three Colors – Steel Camo, Ember Camo, and Marsh Camo
• Length – 13’ 2” / 4 m
• Width – 36 in / 91.4 cm
• Assembled Boat Weight – 143 lbs / 64.8 kg
• Hull Weight – 95 lbs / 43.1 kg
• ePDL+ Drive Weight – 32.5 lbs / 14.7 kg
• Included Battery Weight – 8.5 lbs / 3.8 kg
• Seat Weight – 6 lbs / 2.7 kg
• Total Weight Capacity- 500 lbs / 226.8 kg
• Usable Weight Capacity – 357 lbs / 161.9 kg
• Average Battery Life While in Cruise Control – Cruise- 36hrs | Cruise 3- 23 hrs | Cruise 5- 3 hrs
• MSRP – $5999
• Available January 2024

Special thanks to the Old Town Watercraft staff here at ICAST 2023, and stick around for more ICAST coverage. Also,  let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we appreciate your feedback.

Eugene L.

Writer for AllOutdoor.com and OutdoorHub.com A lifelong angler that chases after anything with fins, I also am firearms enthusiast and try my best when it comes to hunting. Instagram - mrfish49