Best fishing 'yak ever

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks, a leader in the paddlesports industry for over a century, has launched the Predator XL kayak and the new flagship in the Premier Angler Series has taken out the Overall Best of Show and Best Boat awards at the recent ICAST 2014 tackle show.

The new fishing kayak incorporates all the pioneering features of the original Predator, including the Element seating system, customisable, high-strength mounting plates, Exo-ridge deck and Tri-Hull design. But the new Predator XL adds a 45lb thrust, saltwater-grade Minn Kota motor and a foot-operated rudder system to deliver "an unrivalled hands-free fishing experience and pinpoint control."

The Predator XL was developed and fine-tuned through exhaustive consumer research, input from the Old Town Dealer Panel and Design Council, and the combined experience of the Johnson Outdoors pro-staff and Watercraft Design Team. The result is said to be a premium, customisable, purpose-driven fishing machine that retains the best features and benefits of the original Predator series, while adding integrated, adapt in-a-snap consoles including the Minn Kota system.

At just 5.90m or just over 13 feet long and 0.90m or 36 inches wide, the Predator XL delivers an amazing carrying capacity of 270kg of angler, gear and fish. The foot-controlled rudder system for hands-free operation in forward or reverse is one key detail that sets the Predator XL apart from the competition, claims Old town, helping to control the boat confidently in wind and current or when fishing in tight spots.

"The Predator XL will set a whole new bar in what consumers expect in a fishing kayak," said David Hadden, Brand Director for Johnson Outdoors Watercraft. “With the Predator XL we wanted to bridge the gap between fishing kayaks and bass boats and shallow-water skiffs. The game changer is the combination of the Minn Kota motor and foot-controlled rudder system, which allows true hands free fishing."

The base model will feature Old Town’s Utility Console, engineered with sonar equipment in mind. The Minn Kota version comes fully equipped with a foot-controlled rudder, battery box and Minn Kota Console. The third console, the Exo-Ridge Deck, provides a flat floor for standing, providing the perfect platform for casting. The Predator XL is designed to work with all three consoles, allowing the user to adapt their ride in a matter of seconds.

The Predator XL will begin shipping to dealers in October 2014. BLA distributes the brand widely in Australia.

Specifications:
Length: 4.01m
Width: 91.4cm
Weight: 42kg to 53kg
Carrying Capacity: 270kg
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For more information go to: www.oldtowncanoe.com.au