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The short answer
Most kayak anglers should start with a pedal kayak like the Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132: it’s simpler, lighter, needs no battery, and keeps your hands free to fish. Choose a motorized kayak like the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 if you fish big water, cover long distances, or want GPS anchoring that holds you on a spot in wind and current. If you want a bit of both, a power-assisted pedal drive such as the Old Town BigWater ePDL+ 132 sits in the middle.
Our top picks
- Best pedal: Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 — A stable 13-foot hull with a proven forward-and-reverse drive. Check price on Amazon
- Best motorized: Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 — Minn Kota motor with GPS Spot-Lock built in. Check price on Amazon
- Best hybrid: Old Town BigWater ePDL+ 132 — Pedal with motor assist and cruise control. Check price on Amazon
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Pedal kayak | Motorized kayak | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example model | Old Town BigWater PDL 132 | Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 | Check price |
| Power source | Your legs | Battery-powered motor | Check price |
| Range | Limited by stamina | Limited by battery | Check price |
| Holding position | Pedal and steer manually | GPS anchoring on some models | Check price |
| Weight | Lighter, no battery | Heavier with motor and battery | Check price |
| Rules | Usually treated like a paddle craft | May need registration in your state | Check price |
How we compared them
We compared manufacturer specifications, owner reviews and published reviews from established kayak-fishing outlets. We looked at range, speed, boat control while fishing, weight and transport, maintenance, total cost including batteries, and local regulations. Both types are high-ticket purchases, so long-term ownership matters as much as how they feel on day one.
Range and speed
A pedal kayak goes as far as your legs will take it. Most anglers can pedal several miles comfortably, and pedaling is more efficient than paddling because it uses your bigger leg muscles. A motorized kayak goes as far as its battery allows, and it lets you cover water quickly without getting tired. That’s a big advantage on large lakes, rivers with current and coastal water.
Power-assisted pedal drives like the Old Town ePDL+ give you the best of both: pedal when you want exercise and stealth, then let the motor help when the wind picks up or you’re heading home.
Boat control while fishing
Both designs keep your hands free, which is the main reason anglers move away from paddling. A pedal drive lets you make small corrections with your feet while you cast. A motorized kayak like the AutoPilot 136 goes further: its Minn Kota motor includes GPS Spot-Lock, so the kayak holds itself in place over a brush pile or ledge without you touching the pedals. In wind and current, that’s a real advantage.
That kind of control works especially well with live sonar. Our kayak fish finder picks cover screens that pair well with both types.
Weight, transport and maintenance
Pedal kayaks are heavy, but motorized kayaks are heavier once you add the motor and battery. If you load your kayak alone, that weight matters. Pedal drives need occasional cleaning and inspection, while motorized kayaks also need battery care, charging and attention to electrical connections, especially in salt water.
Good to know: lithium batteries save weight and last longer, but they add to the cost. Factor a battery and charger into a motorized kayak budget if they aren’t included.
Cost and regulations
Motorized kayaks usually cost more than comparable pedal kayaks, and batteries add to the total. In many states, a kayak with a motor must be registered and display registration numbers, much like a small boat. Pedal kayaks are often treated like paddle craft, but rules vary. Check your state’s boating regulations before you buy.
Stealth and fishing style
Pedal drives are quiet, and many anglers believe that stealth helps in clear, shallow water where fish spook easily. Modern kayak trolling motors are also quiet, but a running motor and prop wash can still disturb very shallow water. For sight fishing on flats or in small ponds, many anglers prefer pedaling. For trolling, covering long shorelines or fishing open water, a motor shines because it holds a steady speed without effort.
Your physical condition matters too. Pedaling all day is a workout. If you have knee or hip concerns, or want to fish long days without fatigue, a motor or power-assist drive can keep you on the water longer.
Safety on the water
Whichever you choose, wear a PFD, carry a whistle and a light, and tell someone where you’re going. A motorized kayak can take you farther from shore faster, which means you need to watch the weather and battery level closely. A pedal kayak is limited by your stamina, so plan routes that leave energy for the trip back, especially into the wind.
Our pedal picks
The Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 is our top pedal pick for big water, with a stable hull and a proven forward-and-reverse drive. For a lighter, easier-to-transport option, the Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 uses the same drive in a shorter boat. See our full list of pedal fishing kayak picks for more.
Our motorized picks
The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 is the motorized kayak to beat, with a Minn Kota motor and GPS Spot-Lock built in. For a smaller motorized option, the Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota brings motor power to a shorter, more maneuverable hull. If you already own a Wilderness Systems Radar, the Helix MD motor drive can turn it into a motorized kayak.
Choose a pedal kayak if…
- You want simplicity. No battery to charge, fewer electrical parts to maintain.
- You fish small to mid-size water. Ponds, small lakes and slow rivers are easy to cover by pedaling.
- You want to save money and weight. Pedal kayaks are generally cheaper and lighter.
- You enjoy the exercise. Pedaling is quiet, efficient and a good workout.
Choose a motorized kayak if…
- You fish big water. Large lakes, rivers with current and coastal bays reward motor power.
- You want GPS anchoring. Spot-Lock holds you on a spot without pedaling.
- You cover long distances. A motor gets you to distant spots and home again without fatigue.
- Physical limits matter. A motor reduces strain for anglers with knee, hip or stamina concerns.
The verdict
For most anglers, a pedal kayak is the better first choice: simpler, lighter and more affordable, with hands-free control that transforms how you fish. A motorized kayak is worth the extra cost and weight if you fish big water, want GPS anchoring or need help covering long distances. If you can’t decide, a power-assisted pedal kayak gives you both.
Check the Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 on Amazon →
Check the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 on Amazon →
FAQ
Is a motorized kayak better than a pedal kayak?
Not always. Motorized kayaks cover more water and can hold position with GPS, but they cost more, weigh more and need battery care. Pedal kayaks are simpler and lighter, and suit most anglers well.
Do I need to register a motorized kayak?
In many states, yes. Kayaks with motors are often treated as motorboats and must be registered. Rules vary, so check your state’s boating regulations.
How far can a motorized kayak go on one charge?
Range depends on battery capacity, speed, wind, current and load. Running at slower speeds extends range significantly. Check the manufacturer’s estimates for your battery.
What is a power-assisted pedal kayak?
A power-assisted pedal kayak, such as the Old Town ePDL+, has a pedal drive with a built-in motor that helps you pedal or cruises without pedaling. It combines pedal simplicity with motor support.
Can I add a motor to a pedal kayak later?
Some kayaks support it. The Wilderness Systems Radar accepts the Helix MD motor drive, and some anglers add aftermarket motors. Check your kayak’s compatibility first.