Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132

Size and Weight

The BigWater 132 gets its name from the overall length of the kayak, which is 13’2” (400 cm). The kayak is 34” (86 cm) wide, which is where the BigWater 132 is able to draw excellent stability from. The kayak is a bit on the heavy side with a hull weight of 86 lbs (39 kg), but many users say that the weight does not have a huge impact on portability or the BigWater 132’s on-the-water performance.

Capacity

The full capacity of this kayak is 425 lbs (192.8 kg), but Old Town notes that the usable capacity is only 339 lbs (153.8 kg). This can be a drawback for heavier paddlers. For an average-sized user, this capacity isn’t necessarily a problem unless you’re carrying a significant amount of gear for things like overnight camping trips.

Features

The BigWater 132 is very similar to its cousin, the Predator 13, but Old Town has added some different color options for users to choose from, as well as a few cool features.

One of those differences is the Element seat, which is designed to be breathable, quick-drying and fully adjustable to allow users to sit in the high or low position. Users can also opt to flip the chair up to allow for added room on the standing deck.

The kayak offers six different accessory tracks, four in front of the seat and two behind on the stern. These gear tracks are high quality and can be drilled into, allowing users to further customize them with accessories like rod holders, fish finders, paddle holders and more.

The BigWater 132 features one forward-facing and two rear-facing rod holders that allow users to troll when needed.

The kayak’s center console mod pod has an array of handy features that help anglers keep their most important gear and tackle items close at hand, but dry and secure inside the compartment. With two hinged lids that open from the front and back, the BigWater’s mod pod has two inner, removable containers that are perfect for stashing tackle boxes, bait or other items.

The mod pod also has a magnetic surface where users can put items like pliers, hooks and other items for quick and easy access. The pod also features a specialized, watertight compartment that’s specially made to hold a user’s phone. The mod pod also has accessory tracks which allows users to further customize the center of their kayak.

The BigWater 132 also features a tackle box that fits underneath the seat for easy access. Users will also appreciate the added effort Old Town has taken with rod tip protectors installed on the kayak’s bow.

The kayak has EVA footpads on the deck which help users gain better footing when standing up. Like the Predator 13, the BigWater 132 features an oversized bow hatch that’s perfect for storing a wide array of items.

The BigWater 132 also offers a spacious storage well behind the seat that’s ideal for coolers, crates, and storing extra gear. This kayak is transducer-ready and has a specific location for installing fish finders and sonar equipment.

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Performance

The BigWater 132 offers excellent stability when compared to other fishing kayak models. It owes this stability to its wide design, but that width also produces more drag on the water, resulting in decreased speed. Most anglers are very pleased with the BigWater 132’s agility and tracking. The tri-hull design helps this kayak cut through the water and stay on course without getting windblown. Anglers will find that the BigWater 132 is perfectly-suited for fishing and should look elsewhere if it’s speed they’re wanting.