After doing some research and plenty of reading i decided to go with one of these models. I was looking at a bonafide 107 but there are no distributors out here in Arizona. 

 

I know some may think its obvious go with the minn kota version. I just want to know for those of you that own one how is this kayak when trying to position it for fishing in a wind. I know its not a spot lock.

 

I understand that some that have the pedal model do ok with the repositioning of the kayak being hands free.

 

I felt i could go with a pedal model and then add a xi3 trolling motor with spot lock on it later, but don't know yet if i want to go this route.

I have the AP and have to say that spotlock is awesome.  Between the PDL and MK, I'd probably go pdl.  Top speed will be about the same in both.  The PDL will be lighter because of no motor housing and no battery.  Also no registration required.  The PDL will give you hands free movement (forward and back) while fishing, the MK obviously will do it without effort.  With either boat you're going to want an anchor from what I see on the Old town groups.  If you intend to upgrade to an xi3 later, I would just get the AP now.  Buy your last one first and enjoy it longest.  Its a bigger boat but it is incredibly capable.

 

thanks,

rick

I have little problem keeping my kayak in one place with a regular variable speed trolling motor.  It takes some practice, but you can learn to control it so that you're moving at the same speed into the wind and current, so you're effectively staying put.  I have foot controllers on my kayak to control the direction of the motor and have to control the speed via a dial with my hands.  So it's basically flipped from a pedal kayak where you control the speed with your feet and direction with your hands.  Either way, it's going to amount to the same thing, as depending on the wind speed and direction, you'll have to make constant adjustments  with both hands and feet to stay positioned.  But I can usually get 3-4 good casts in to a target in 15 mph winds before having to completely reposition myself, depending on gusts.  A lot depends on how well you initially set up your position.  It's better to drop anchor if you're really going to spend a lot of time on one spot.  

 

The Old Town Sportsman is a different setup from mine however.  The prop is in the middle and the rudder controls steering from the rear.  The prop doesn't move, so I'm not entirely sure how that would differ from my experience.  But I imagine it would be the same with either the pedal or the motor.  

 

So I'd weigh other factors when considering pedal vs. motor.  Without spot lock doing everything for you, you're going to have to stay on top of it either way.  But it can work.