Marine

Modular Predator XL kayak features plug-and-play electric motor for hands-free boating

Modular Predator XL kayak features plug-and-play electric motor for hands-free boating
The Old Town Predator XL kayak
The Old Town Predator XL kayak
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The Old Town Predator XL kayak
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The Old Town Predator XL kayak
The Predator XL gets trolling power from a Minn Kota motor module
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The Predator XL gets trolling power from a Minn Kota motor module
Old Town's Quick-Kick Stand lets the driver easily drop the motor into the water and pull it out
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Old Town's Quick-Kick Stand lets the driver easily drop the motor into the water and pull it out
The Exo-Ridge module creates a flat floor
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The Exo-Ridge module creates a flat floor
The Minn Kota motor delivers up to 45 lb of thrust
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The Minn Kota motor delivers up to 45 lb of thrust
The Utility Console is designed to mount and organize sonar equipment
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The Utility Console is designed to mount and organize sonar equipment
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Sometimes you feel like a paddle; sometimes you don't. The new modular Predator XL kayak from Old Town keeps you happy in either case. With the help of a drop-in electric motor module, you can leave the paddle onshore and navigate the water with 45 lb (20.4 kg) of thrust and a foot-controlled rudder system.

The new flagship of Old Town's fishing-specific Predator family, the Predator XL separates itself from the pack with its Minn Kota electric motor module. The fully enclosed unit drops right into the kayak, just forward of the seating position, delivering salt-water grade trolling power with forward and reverse modes. The foot-operated rudder system completes the hands-free drive package, providing steering for both forward and reverse. Old Town claims that the unit's digital management system allows for full-day motoring.

The Minn Kota console includes a speed dial, battery indicator, USB charging port, and sonar mounting and storage hardware. Old Town's Quick-Kick Stand allows for quick drop-in capabilities and one-handed lifting to get the motor out of the way in shallow, debris-filled water.

Old Town's Quick-Kick Stand lets the driver easily drop the motor into the water and pull it out
Old Town's Quick-Kick Stand lets the driver easily drop the motor into the water and pull it out

"With the Predator XL we wanted to bridge the gap between fishing kayaks and bass boats and shallow water skiffs," explains David Hadden, brand director for Johnson Outdoors Watercraft. "The game changer is the combination of the Minn Kota motor and foot controlled rudder system, which allows you truly hands free fishing. Now you can work your local shoreline like a tournament BASS angler, moving and casting at every dock, stump or overhanging limb without taking your hands off the rod to reposition your boat."

The modular construction of the Predator XL also works with other plug-and-play modules, providing options for those that might not need motor power. The Utility Console is a sonar management module with a sonar mount and battery/cable storage. The Exo-Ridge Console seals slides in to create a flat, seamless Exo-Ridge grip deck.

The Exo-Ridge module creates a flat floor
The Exo-Ridge module creates a flat floor

In addition to its new modular capabilities, the Predator XL packs the features of its Predator predecessors. These include the multi-position, angler-specific Element seating system; mounting plates for rod holders, GPS, etc.; fishing rod and paddle storage hardware; dual tackle storage; and a stand-up assist strap.

Old Town introduced the Predator XL at July's ICAST Show, where it won "Best in Show." The company will get the craft into customer hands beginning in November.

The motorized Predator XL with Minn Kota module, battery box and rudder system will retail for US$2,699. The boat does not include the battery itself, and Old Town recommends using a deep-cycle marine battery. The base model will cost $1,599, and each module will be available on its own – $999 for the Minn Kota motor module, $199 for the sonar-ready Utility Console and $99 for the Exo-Ridge Console. The boat measures 13 ft 2 in (4 m) and weighs 92 lb (41.7 kg) without the consoles. The motor console adds 25.5 lb (11.6 kg).

The video below doesn't really provide any additional information, but it does show a glimpse of the Minn Kota motor dropping in and out of the Predator XL.

Source: Old Town

The NEW Predator MK

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4 comments
4 comments
The Skud
So, does the motor module sit in a high-sided hole like a small sailboat's keelboard? It appears so, but you would not want to lift it up as you approach a shallow sandbar and fill your kayak with water! I would love to like the whole idea, but the worry about 'tipping' the thing makes me prefer a wider-hulled dinghy for example.
BigGoofyGuy
I think that is really neat. I would probably use the motor more than paddling.
The 1 TaiN
It looks more like a Canoe then a Kayak??? I mean Canoe's have open top hulls, whereas Kayak, have man-openings to get into.
Bryan P
Hmmm....where have I seen this before? Oh, yeah! Hobie has been doing this for years now. At least since 2010 if not before. http://www.hobiecat.com/accessories/evolve/ fits in their "mirage drive" slot...oh, and you can get sails and other accessories with the Hobiecat sit on top kayak as well.
I'm becoming rather disappointed in Gizmag's commitment to bringing me the latest technology rather than the latest press release.