The Autopilot 120 is an Old Town fishing kayak for the ages. This company doesn’t just make canoes, which is evident: the Autopilot 120 was a 2020 ICAST Best of Show in 2020.
It is a machine – but machine’s aren’t cheap, and this Old Town fishing kayak is no exception. You’ll want your investment to last, so keep to these tips.
(They also apply to other fishing kayaks with trolling motors, by the way, so you can heed them even if you don’t run this Old Town).
Don’t Push Through Weeds
Nothing kills a trolling motor faster (probably) than pushing it through weeds. They’re designed with shear pins that break when they encounter too much stress, but in some ways weeds and slime are worse than rocks and logs.
Weeds and slime probably won’t break the shear pin, so the drive unit will simply labor harder, draining the battery and wearing out the motor. You can even burn one out by overworking it.
Don’t try to power through weeds. Raise the unit and paddle if you must.
Administer Proper Maintenance to the Trolling Motor
Electric trolling motors require a lot more care and attention than the molded PE hulls of most fishing kayaks.
For one, detach the motor from the battery after every use to prevent parasitic drain and terminal corrosion. Secondly, keep it clean and rinse it after every outing, whether in fresh or saltwater.
Also, keep the shaft lubricated with a water-based lubricant, and protect the connections and terminals with dielectric grease.
Rinse After Every Use
Not just the motor, the kayak’s hull. Keeping the hull rinsed off and clean will help prevent the accumulation of salt deposits, as well as muck and grime that, while they won’t technically corrode the hull, can abrade it.
Just make sure you rinse (and dry) the hull. It may be made from tough rotomolded polyethylene, but it’s not impervious to damage either.
Don’t Leave It in the Sun
Old Town fishing kayaks are made with polyethylene hulls, which may offer a certain degree of UV resistance. They are not UV proof. Therefore, make sure to keep them in the shade when storing for any prolonged period of time or the plastic will slowly break down.
Keep the Seat Dry
This Old Town fishing kayak’s seat is comfortable and quick drying, but keep it covered and out of the elements nonetheless. Not only can sunlight destroy it, but chronic damp conditions will deteriorate the fabrics and can allow the growth of mold and mildew.
Where to Learn More About These Old Town Fishing Kayaks
Adhering to the advice in this article will help you keep your Old Town Autopilot 120 singing smoothly for seasons to come. These suggestions will also benefit a myriad of other paddle and pedal-propelled fishing kayaks, too.
If you’re interested in investing in a new one to treat yourself, or would like to learn more about Old Town fishing kayaks before you buy, visit No Bad Days Kayak online. Check out their catalog, check their blog for tips, reviews or suggestions, or get in touch with them directly for personalized recommendations.
