Old Town Autopilot 136 vs 120
Choosing between the Old Town Autopilot 136 and 120 is an important decision for anglers looking for a stable and versatile fishing kayak. Both models are designed around fishing performance, stability, comfort, and convenient operation, but their different lengths and overall dimensions affect maneuverability, storage, transportation, and performance on the water. This guide compares the key differences between the Old Town Autopilot 136 and 120 to help you determine which kayak better fits your needs.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Old Town Autopilot 136 | Old Town Autopilot 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 13.6 feet | 12 feet |
| Design | Fishing focused motorized kayak | Fishing focused motorized kayak |
| Stability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Maneuverability | Stable and predictable | More maneuverable |
| Tracking | Excellent | Very good |
| Speed | Efficient for longer trips | Efficient for recreational fishing |
| Storage Space | More generous | Practical and spacious |
| Seating | Elevated adjustable seating | Elevated adjustable seating |
| Portability | Larger and heavier | More compact and easier to manage |
| Ideal Use | Open water, long fishing trips, heavy gear | Lakes, rivers, fishing, shorter trips |
Lets take a closer look at the major differences between these two fishing kayaks.
Maneuverability and Tracking
Old Town Autopilot 136: Excellent Tracking
The Old Town Autopilot 136 features a longer hull that provides strong directional stability. This makes it particularly useful for anglers who fish larger lakes, reservoirs, and open water where maintaining a straight course is important.
The longer design can make the kayak feel more stable while moving across open water, although it may require more space to turn compared with the shorter model.
Old Town Autopilot 120: More Maneuverable
The Old Town Autopilot 120 has a shorter hull that can provide more responsive handling. Its compact dimensions make it easier to maneuver around docks, shorelines, fishing structures, and narrower waterways.
For anglers who frequently fish areas where tight turns are necessary, the shorter model can offer a useful advantage.
Speed and Efficiency
Old Town Autopilot 136: Built for Longer Trips
The Autopilot 136 is designed to provide efficient performance during extended fishing trips. Its longer hull can help maintain momentum and directional stability while traveling across larger bodies of water.
This makes it a practical choice for anglers who regularly cover greater distances while carrying substantial fishing equipment.
Old Town Autopilot 120: Efficient for Recreational Fishing
The Autopilot 120 offers practical performance for anglers who prefer shorter fishing trips and more compact handling. Its smaller size can make it easier to navigate areas where frequent changes in direction are required.
It remains suitable for covering moderate distances while providing the fishing focused features expected from a dedicated fishing kayak.
Stability and Fishing Features
Old Town Autopilot 136: Spacious Fishing Platform
The Autopilot 136 provides a large and stable platform for anglers. The additional length creates useful room for fishing equipment, accessories, and personal gear.
Its substantial design can be especially helpful for anglers who want plenty of space while casting, organizing tackle, or spending extended periods on the water.
Old Town Autopilot 120: Stable and Compact
The Autopilot 120 combines a stable fishing platform with a more compact overall design. It provides enough room for essential fishing equipment without being as long as the 136.
This can make it an appealing option for anglers who want stability while keeping the kayak easier to manage.
Storage and Gear Capacity
Old Town Autopilot 136: More Room for Equipment
The larger Autopilot 136 offers additional space for fishing gear, personal belongings, and accessories. This can be useful for anglers who carry multiple rods, tackle, safety equipment, and other items.
The additional deck space is particularly valuable during longer fishing trips when carrying extra equipment becomes important.
Old Town Autopilot 120: Practical Storage
The Autopilot 120 provides practical storage for fishing equipment and personal gear. Its more compact layout can be sufficient for day trips and anglers who prefer to travel with a more streamlined setup.
If you normally carry only essential equipment, the storage capacity of the shorter kayak may be adequate.
Seating and Comfort
Old Town Autopilot 136: Comfortable for Extended Outings
The Autopilot 136 provides an elevated seating position designed for fishing comfort. The larger hull gives anglers plenty of room to settle into a comfortable fishing position during longer outings.
This makes it well suited to users who spend many hours on the water and want a spacious fishing platform.
Old Town Autopilot 120: Comfortable and Practical
The Autopilot 120 also provides elevated seating designed for fishing and recreational use. Its compact hull can make the kayak feel easier to manage while still offering a comfortable position for extended fishing sessions.
For anglers who value a balance between comfort and portability, the 120 can be a practical choice.
Portability and Ease of Transport
Old Town Autopilot 136: Larger and Heavier
The Autopilot 136 is a substantial kayak, and its larger size can make transportation and storage more demanding. Loading it onto a vehicle may require additional equipment or assistance.
A suitable kayak cart can make it easier to move the kayak from storage to the launch point.
Old Town Autopilot 120: More Compact
The Autopilot 120 has an advantage in overall size because it is shorter and easier to manage than the 136. Although it remains a substantial fishing kayak, its more compact dimensions can simplify transportation and storage.
This can be particularly useful for solo anglers who frequently move their kayak between different fishing locations.
Best Use Cases
When to Choose the Old Town Autopilot 136
- Longer Trips: Better suited to extended fishing adventures.
- Open Water: Excellent tracking for larger lakes and open areas.
- Gear Capacity: Useful for anglers carrying substantial fishing equipment.
- Stability: Provides a large and steady fishing platform.
- Extended Fishing: A strong option for anglers who spend long periods on the water.
When to Choose the Old Town Autopilot 120
- Maneuverability: Better suited to areas requiring frequent turns.
- Fishing: Practical for anglers who want a stable and compact fishing platform.
- Transportation: Easier to manage than the longer model.
- Smaller Waterways: Well suited to lakes, rivers, and areas with limited space.
- Day Trips: A practical option for shorter fishing outings with essential equipment.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Aspect | Old Town Autopilot 136 | Old Town Autopilot 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Spacious, stable, excellent tracking, strong gear capacity | Compact, maneuverable, stable, easier to transport |
| Cons | Larger, heavier, more difficult to transport | Less storage, shorter range between locations, less space |
Conclusion: Which Kayak Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Old Town Autopilot 136 and 120 ultimately depends on your fishing style, preferred water conditions, gear requirements, and transportation needs.
- Choose the Old Town Autopilot 136 if you prioritize stability, tracking, storage space, and long fishing trips on larger bodies of water.
- Choose the Old Town Autopilot 120 if you value maneuverability, a more compact design, easier transportation, and fishing on smaller or more confined waterways.
Both kayaks can be strong choices for anglers who want a stable and fishing focused platform. By considering your typical fishing location, equipment needs, trip length, and transportation setup, you can choose the model that best matches your adventures.