Skip to content
Kayak & Canoe

Does Old Town Make Good Kayaks?

By Matt G. · Updated June 21, 2022 · 5 min read
Does Old Town Make Good Kayaks?
DisclosureSome links here are affiliate links — if you buy through one we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend. A post a brand paid for, or one with a brand's paid link to its product, says so in its first line.
Please read this firstBoating carries real risk. Wear a properly fitted buoyancy aid, check the forecast before you launch, tell somebody where you are going, and do not exceed your boat’s stated capacity. Electrical and fuel work on an outboard can start a fire — if a job is beyond you, it is worth paying somebody who does it every day.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.

I have many friends who want to buy kayaks, but find it challenging when it comes to the right model to use.  I have been a fan of Old Town kayaks for a long time, and I can easily tell you a few things about this model.

Does Old Town Make Good Kayaks?
Does Old Town Make Good Kayaks?

Does Old Town make good kayaks? Yes, I can count a number of Old Town models that I have used over the year.  From Heron 9 to Loon 106, I have had amazing paddling moments with them.

Our original pick has been discontinued by Amazon. This is the closest current match we could find.

Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak, Steel Camo | 13 feet 2.04 inches solo fishing paddle kayak with a 339 lb usable weight capacity and carrying handles for easy transport
  • Engineered above and below the waterline for optimal fishing, the Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 kayak's performance tri-hull design is designed for the paddling efficiency essential in more open water and the stability required when you stand.
  • All Old Town Sportsman fishing kayaks are packed with handy convenience features, including customizable accessory tracks, cushioned floor pads for both better comfort and grip, a custom tackle box, and plenty of rod holders.
  • A center console with hinged lids features two cavernous, removable containers that are perfect for stashing tackle boxes or bait, a cup holder, splash proof storage for phone/keys and a magnetized hook, and lure storage area.

$1,399.99 Usually ships within 5 to 7 days

Check Deals on Amazon

Paid link · price checked October 22, 2026 09:31

Old Town Overview

Old Town’s fishing kayaks come as sit-on-top and sit-inside kayaks. When it comes to the sit-in kayaks, you can consider the Loon and recreational Vapor models. For instance, the Loon Angler is three-layer, while the Vapor Angler is single layer polyethylene.

Some of the fishing-specific features of the kayaks include an anchor trolley system and molded-in rod holders. You can easily adjust the kayak’s anchor length if it is deployed.

Kayak Selections

Old Town provides a wide range of sit-on-top kayaks you will enjoy to paddle. The wide, pontoon hull design allows you to experience stability, while the higher weight capacity offers additional gear.

Some of sit-on-top models include the Sportsman, Predator, and Topwater, but you can pick other options for your kayaking.

Sportsman and entry-level Topwater models come identical and to ensure that prices stay low, the models have minimal outfitting. The kayaks provide you with the basic features that make fishing easier such as frame seats, rod holders, and stability to cast and stand.

The Old Town Sportsman series has some of the most diverse kayaks you would want to use for your water activities.  As an angler, you can use the motor power, pedal propulsion, or paddle kayak from the brand.

Pedal propulsion with the brand’s PDL system employs a cycling motion linked to a prop under the hull. The PDL drive ensures that you paddle forwards and backward by freeing your hands as you pedal to take photos and fish.

The Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota uses a standard electric 12V trolling motor.  Additionally, the high-end Sportsman AutoPilot employs Bluetooth to manage the motor. It has a “Spot-Lock” feature that keeps the kayak set in a particular position.

Fishing Kayaks

Old Town creates 10.5-, 12- and 13-foot fishing kayaks.You should consider the 13-foot kayaks if you want to fish on an open water because they are efficient. The kayak can handle swells easily.

For instance, shorter 10.5-foot kayaks can work well in sheltered waters and maneuverability is a priority.  Meanwhile, 12-foot kayaks have compromise to give you something between the two.

How much does an Old Town Topwater 120 weight?

The Old Town kayaks’ weight depends on outfitting and length and outfitting.  Each Old Town kayak is made with polyethylene. You can buy a single layer or a triple-layer kayak from the brand.

I can tell you that if you want a lighter kayak, you should consider the one-layer kayak, but the triple-layer build comes a little heavier.  However, they are more resistant to wear and durable.

If you want to buy the Old Town boats, they are of average weight. Therefore, you should expect them to be anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds.

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Topwater 120 Angler Fishing Kayak (First Light, 12 Feet), Firstlight Camo
  • Old Town's Topwater 120 Angler Fishing Kayak provides a stable, comfortable stand-up fishing platform in a compact, nimble package.
  • The Topwater 120's comfortable and breathable ElementAir Seat keeps paddlers comfortable for a full day on the water.
  • Packed with features, the Topwater 120 includes an oversized stern tank well for storing gear, three rod holders, carefully-placed rod and tackle storage, and EVA foam deck pads for traction and comfort while standing.

Check Deals on Amazon

Paid link

 Recreational kayaks

Old Town kayaks are mostly recreational kayaks.  The kayaks come with super maneuverability and stable features.  Thus, casual paddlers or beginners have ease of paddling with these kayaks.

Furthermore, recreational kayaks from this brand comes as 12.5 feet or less.  The short length let you move turn around without difficulty.  With their wide, flat bottoms, the kayaks remain stable in water.

These recreational kayaks can help you explore sheltered water world like slow-moving rivers and cottage lakes.  Many of their rec boats come with rear bulkheads for extra safety.

The bulkhead comes as sealed compartments at the kayak’s ends and the rear bulkhead is found more on shorter kayaks.  They prevent the kayak from sinking when your cockpit is filled with water.

I advise friends not to kayak further from shore than you can swim or in cold waters without bulkheads.

Old Town creates six types of recreational models that come in different lengths to accommodate everyone.  For instance, the Vapor and Heron models are the more affordable and they look similar.

However, the Herons come with rear bulkheads that lack in the Vapor models. The ‘XT’ versions have a back hatch. If you want to select a kayak for causal paddling at an affordable rate, you should consider these kayaks.

The kayaks are constructed from single-layer polyethylene that is durable. The three-layer polyethylene can be found on the premium Loon and Dirigo models. Additionally, the three-layer materials are resilient to sun damage and abrasions.

However, they are expensive than the one-layer kayaks and have better adjustable outfitting. Also, the innovative Loon comes with work deck, a removable cockpit, with a UVS port for charging your gadgets.

The crossover Sorrento model takes after the touring kayak and has a drop-down skeg. In addition, it comes as a retractable keel keeps you on a straight course. Are you thinking of a partner to kayak?

You can consider the two-person Twin Heron or Dirigo Tandem Plus. However, do not forget to add two paddles for your tandem kayak.

If you want the unrestricted open deck of a sit-on-top kayak, Old Town has an extensive line of sit-on-top fishing kayaks. You have to decide the length of the kayak you need and check the price.

FAQs

What type of plastic are Old Town kayaks made of?

The Old Town kayaks are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Where is  an Old Town kayak made of?

The Old Town kayaks are built by hand in Old Town, Maine. In addition, these kayaks have not lost the touch of how they appear because of their stability and durability on the water.

Where are Old Town kayaks manufactured?

Old Town kayaks are constructedin a facility beside the Penobscot River in Old Town, Maine.

Are Old Town Kayaks made in USA?

Yes, every Old Town kayak is built by hand in Old Town, Maine.

Does Old Town Make Good Kayaks?

Old Town kayaks are affordable and come with good quality. They are stable, durable and affordable; while their pedal-drive and motorized fishing kayaks use cutting-edge technology to navigate waterways.

Who Makes Old Town kayak?

Johnson Outdoors, Inc makes Old Town kayaks.

Written by

Matt G.

Matt G. writes GlobalMarineRenewable's guides to the stuff that actually decides whether a day on the water is good: whether a kayak tracks, whether a trolling motor has the thrust for the wind you will actually get, whether a battery lasts the trip, and how to clean a carburettor without pulling the whole thing off the transom.

The guides are built from the makers' specs and manuals and from what owners report once there is wind and chop, and each one says which. Anything that touches fuel, wiring or a boat's stated capacity gets a plain safety note.

A note on our names: GlobalMarineRenewable is written by a small team under pen names, one name for each job, and Matt G. is the name on our boating guides. We are not marine engineers.