Bigwater 132 PDL - on the fence for a pedal kayak

[msd207]

Hello internet friends! I've been looking at getting a pedal kayak for literally years now, but just can't seem to get myself to pull the trigger. At this point, I think I've watched the entire YouTube library and read every review on this site and others (and have, at various points, been convinced I needed a Jackson Coosa FD, a Slayer Max 12.5 Propel, a Hobie Compass, or a Hobie Outback  ) and have decided that were I to buy a pedal kayak, the Bigwater 132 PDL would be the correct choice. Because of COVID demand and supply issues, I've not been able to demo, though I would certainly love to. I love the warranty, the ability to handle moving water, the stability, and the hull shape. I'm having trouble committing at this point because of the level of 'stuff' involved- cart, roof rack, t-bar to load onto my 4Runner (has a spoiler so I can't do the variety of other methods I've seen to get it up on the roof like bath mats, rollers, etc unfortunately).  I had and subsequently sold a Pelican Catch 120 last year. It was a terrific kayak for lake fishing but I didn't feel great trying to fish once there was current in the estuaries I fish, which only served to further reinforce that voice in my head telling me to go the pedal route.   

 

Curious to hear people's opinions on the point at which they said - 'yep, let's do it' and went all in on the pedal kayak.  Thanks!

[buddha162]

1 hour ago, msd207 said:

Curious to hear people's opinions on the point at which they said - 'yep, let's do it' and went all in on the pedal kayak.  Thanks!

 

Within 10 minutes of fishing from a paddle yak for the first time lol

 

You can find pedal yaks from 28lbs (inflatable!) to 200lb+ fully rigged. Figure out the logistics and go for it.

[The Riddler]

10 hours ago, msd207 said:

Hello internet friends! I've been looking at getting a pedal kayak for literally years now, but just can't seem to get myself to pull the trigger. At this point, I think I've watched the entire YouTube library and read every review on this site and others (and have, at various points, been convinced I needed a Jackson Coosa FD, a Slayer Max 12.5 Propel, a Hobie Compass, or a Hobie Outback  ) and have decided that were I to buy a pedal kayak, the Bigwater 132 PDL would be the correct choice. Because of COVID demand and supply issues, I've not been able to demo, though I would certainly love to. I love the warranty, the ability to handle moving water, the stability, and the hull shape. I'm having trouble committing at this point because of the level of 'stuff' involved- cart, roof rack, t-bar to load onto my 4Runner (has a spoiler so I can't do the variety of other methods I've seen to get it up on the roof like bath mats, rollers, etc unfortunately).  I had and subsequently sold a Pelican Catch 120 last year. It was a terrific kayak for lake fishing but I didn't feel great trying to fish once there was current in the estuaries I fish, which only served to further reinforce that voice in my head telling me to go the pedal route.   

 

Curious to hear people's opinions on the point at which they said - 'yep, let's do it' and went all in on the pedal kayak.  Thanks!

Giving recommendations to help someone buy a kayak use to be fun. People would actually listen and take experienced folks words for it. Now people ask a question but already have their minds made up. 
 

The Person selling the kayaks has us beat. We see see folks all the time buy something like the PDL 132 and The PA 14 because the salesperson tells you this is the best kayak, you can stand on it. A couple of months into the season they have to buy a trailer just to get to the water because loading it is a chore. Later goes on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.  The good news is you can always sell it to the next angler who already has their mind made up. Its a factory! 

 

Its a losing situation. We have one choice left in a somewhat decent pedal kayak in the Revo 13 and can still be car topped and easy to move around. Fits most anglers who do not need to take out. 12 rods, all kinds of useless gear, a livewell full of water. 2 rods, a tackle tray and I am gone. 

Edited February 19, 2021 by The Riddler

[msd207]

12 hours ago, buddha162 said:

Within 10 minutes of fishing from a paddle yak for the first time lol

Too good, got a good chuckle out of this. 

 

3 hours ago, The Riddler said:

Giving recommendations to help someone buy a kayak use to be fun. People would actually listen and take experienced folks words for it. Now people ask a question but already have their minds made up. 
 

The Person selling the kayaks has us beat. We see see folks all the time buy something like the PDL 132 and The PA 14 because the salesperson tells you this is the best kayak, you can stand on it. A couple of months into the season they have to buy a trailer just to get to the water because loading it is a chore. Later goes on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.  The good news is you can always sell it to the next angler who already has their mind made up. Its a factory! 

 

Its a losing situation. We have one choice left in a somewhat decent pedal kayak in the Revo 13 and can still be car topped and easy to move around. Fits most anglers who do not need to take out. 12 rods, all kinds of useless gear, a livewell full of water. 2 rods, a tackle tray and I am gone. 

@The Riddler Thanks for the...positive vibes? 

 

All kidding aside, you make some interesting points. You’re right, the marketing is too good these days; I’ve certainly been a victim to this at times.  But, I’d like to think that through this site (including your review of the Predator PDL)  and others, as well as a lot of time to reflect, I’m not making a rash decision here. 

 

Different people require different tools for different jobs.  I like to fly fish in marshes and salt ponds, so stability for standing as an option is important to me.  I only own two rods - 1 spin and one fly, and so like you, carrying a livewell or an entire milk crate full of tackle isn’t a priority. I’m also a taller guy, so leg room/comfort is important.  All that said, seems like every kayak out there has pros and cons and we’re all playing a game of tradeoffs.   

 

It sounds like you've got your needs nailed down with the Revo 13 as the best fit for how you like to fish. I definitely gave it a second look (or, to be honest, a seventy third look!) this morning after your post but it just doesn’t look to fit my fishing priorities, though the size, secondary stability, and weight are certainly attractive.    

You’re correct, and especially exacerbated by COVID interest, the ‘buy one, Craiglist it soon after’ phenomenon is strong.  Even as a buyer, you have to be ready to jump on a deal; it’s a super hot market and I’ve been too slow on a few screamin' deals myself.  I do view that as a positive for all of us potential newcomers to the pedal world - there’s a solid exit strategy should you decide to go that route.  

 

Appreciate the input!    

[The Riddler]

3 mins ago, msd207 said:

Too good, got a good chuckle out of this. 

 

@The Riddler Thanks for the...positive vibes? 

 

All kidding aside, you make some interesting points. You’re right, the marketing is too good these days; I’ve certainly been a victim to this at times.  But, I’d like to think that through this site (including your review of the Predator PDL)  and others, as well as a lot of time to reflect, I’m not making a rash decision here. 

 

Different people require different tools for different jobs.  I like to fly fish in marshes and salt ponds, so stability for standing as an option is important to me.  I only own two rods - 1 spin and one fly, and so like you, carrying a livewell or an entire milk crate full of tackle isn’t a priority. I’m also a taller guy, so leg room/comfort is important.  All that said, seems like every kayak out there has pros and cons and we’re all playing a game of tradeoffs.   

 

It sounds like you've got your needs nailed down with the Revo 13 as the best fit for how you like to fish. I definitely gave it a second look (or, to be honest, a seventy third look!) this morning after your post but it just doesn’t look to fit my fishing priorities, though the size, secondary stability, and weight are certainly attractive.    

You’re correct, and especially exacerbated by COVID interest, the ‘buy one, Craiglist it soon after’ phenomenon is strong.  Even as a buyer, you have to be ready to jump on a deal; it’s a super hot market and I’ve been too slow on a few screamin' deals myself.  I do view that as a positive for all of us potential newcomers to the pedal world - there’s a solid exit strategy should you decide to go that route.  

 

Appreciate the input!    

Looks like you have it all figured out. We already knew it.   Good luck 

[buddha162]

7 mins ago, msd207 said:

there’s a solid exit strategy should you decide to go that route.  

 

I bought a new outback June of last year, sold it in Oct for pretty much msrp. It was gone in 2 days. Unless you buy something way off the radar, you can unload almost any kayak after a test run of several weeks/months in the current market. Everything outdoors is backed up.  

 

Sounds like you know exactly what you want. Don't take the Riddler shade too seriously - he's one of the most helpful grouches on the forum  

[jeffreyrichard]

Have you looked at the Topwater Sportsman? I have not owned or tried an Old Town PDL, but this model seems to be a compromise on stability (standing) and size. The 132 just seems to be a barge ... getting it to and from the water just seems too much of a chore IMO.

 

You stated you looked at a Hobie Compass ... curious at what turned you off. I own one, find it quite satisfactory. I'm 6-2, 250 and this platform has plenty of room for me. I don't stand in my kayak, but it has the space for standing. Add an H-Bar it it becomes a nice standing platform. I also find the Compass top be quite stable in snot. Best of all it's 68# stripped so it's portable. Not trying to be a salesmans, just looking for your critique.

Edited February 19, 2021 by jeffreyrichard

[msd207]

16 mins ago, jeffreyrichard said:

Have you looked at the Topwater Sportsman? I have not owned or tried an Old Town PDL, but this model seems to be a compromise ons ability (standing) and size. The 132 just seems to be a barge ... getting it to and from the water just seems too much of a chore IMO.

 

You stated you looked at a Hobie Compass ... curious at what turned you off. I own one, find it quite satisfactory. I'm 6-2, 250 and this platform has plenty of room for me. I don't stand in my kayak, but it has the space for standing. Add an H-Bar it it becomes a nice standing platform. I also find the Compass top be quite stable in snot. Best of all it's 68# stripped so it's portable. Not trying to be a salesmans, just looking for your critique.

I have looked at the Topwater Sportsman - I think you're right about the compromise. Honestly, I'm sure I'd be thrilled with this one too and wouldn't even know what I'm missing.

 

I had trouble with the Hobie Compass simply due to availability (and probably a good bit of that pesky marketing), but I really did like its simplicity (eg. do I really need a giant front hatch? Nah, not for my needs). Great to hear about your experience with it, I'm around your size as well.  The H-Bar could be a perfect fit for what I want to do. I'll take another turn on seeing if I can track one down semi-locally; thank you!    

Edited February 19, 2021 by msd207

[fishguts430]

hated my hobie outback, love my predator pdl. I do car top my predator as well on a subaru forester 

[fishguts430]

Honestly its best if you can wait until spring and try them out. Best thing is its a sellers market at least here in pa. If you do end up getting one and you dont care for it. you might only loose a few bucks. Then take that money and go try another one

[msd207]

Bit of a curveball update to this thread; bought a paddleboard instead. Took a good look at what I “need,” what I want, where I want to fish, and reconciled against what I was willing to personally stomach in terms of logistics and cost. Turns out a paddleboard is the way to go for me (doesn’t hurt that my wife has one and loves to paddle). Got a Bote Rackham Aero today. Psyched. 

[hybrid hunter]

Pedal drive or SUP? It's like apples and orangutans. 

 

My 2 cents back to the Bigwater's ability to stand - it's terrible. I own one and standing is real bad. The Sportsman 120 PDL is the one that you want if you're going to stand. I tipped my 132 Bigwater and lost lots of gear once, and I came close other times. 

[msd207]

3 mins ago, hybrid hunter said:

Pedal drive or SUP? It's like apples and orangutans. 

 

My 2 cents back to the Bigwater's ability to stand - it's terrible. I own one and standing is real bad. The Sportsman 120 PDL is the one that you want if you're going to stand. I tipped my 132 Bigwater and lost lots of gear once, and I came close other times. 

Whoa nelly.  Glad I made the call I did- good tip (pun intended).