Boat & Sail

Builder · Premium · Old Town, Maine

Old Town

Maine heritage canoe and kayak builder, 1898-founded. Owned by Johnson Outdoors. PDL pedal-drive kayaks and the Sportsman fishing line.

Old Town kayak on the water
Founded
1898
Headquarters
Old Town, Maine
Ownership
Johnson Outdoors
Tier
Premium
Website
oldtowncanoe.com

Old Town is the heritage canoe and kayak builder from Old Town, Maine, founded in 1898. The brand has been owned by Johnson Outdoors since 1974. Production has stayed at the Old Town, Maine facility for over 125 years.

The brand argument is heritage canoe-and-kayak production discipline. The Sportsman fishing kayak line uses the PDL pedal-drive system (Old Town's propeller-based alternative to MirageDrive) and competes head-up with Hobie on the pedal-kayak segment.

Our reviews

Old Town hulls we have on the water.

Old Town Sportsman PDL 120

Old Town

Old Town Sportsman PDL 120

Half the price of the Hobie Pro Angler 14 with most of the function. The value pick of the standing-angler segment.

Lineup

Current platforms.

Model breakdown

Each platform, what it does and where it falls short.

Old Town Sportsman series (BigWater PDL 132 / Salty PDL 120)

Sportsman is the fishing-kayak line. PDL pedal drive (propeller-based), wide platform with rod-holder mounts, livewell-compatible.

Things we like

  • · PDL pedal drive runs slightly faster top end than MirageDrive
  • · Heritage Old Town construction discipline

Things we don't

  • · Pedal-drive propeller snags in vegetation more than MirageDrive fins
  • · Pricing comparable to Hobie at equivalent length

Old Town Recreational kayaks (Loon / Heron / Vapor)

Loon, Heron, and Vapor are the volume recreational paddle kayak lines.

Things we like

  • · Heritage construction discipline at recreational pricing
  • · Wide US dealer footprint

Things we don't

  • · No pedal-drive option on the recreational lines
  • · Build tier varies across the lineup

Old Town Canoes (Discovery / NEXT / Penobscot / Tripper)

The canoe lineup is the brand's heritage strength. Multiple constructions and lengths from solo to family-tandem.

Things we like

  • · Heritage Old Town canoe production at 125+ years
  • · Multiple construction options

Things we don't

  • · Canoe segment is niche compared to kayaks
  • · Wood construction options limited to special-order

Buyer's guide

The Old Town story and what to know on the used market.

Origin and ownership

Old Town was founded in 1898 in Old Town, Maine. The brand built wooden canoes for over a century and added kayaks in the late 20th century.

Johnson Outdoors acquired Old Town in 1974. Production has stayed at the Old Town, Maine facility throughout.

Design philosophy

Old Town kayaks use rotomolded polyethylene construction. The PDL pedal drive (propeller-based) is the brand's pedal-kayak argument.

Heritage canoe construction including wood-and-canvas options on special-order.

Used-market notes and known issues

PDL pedal drive impeller and gear service is a 200-hour preventive item.

Johnson Outdoors parts pipeline supports nationwide service.

Recreational kayak lines vary by year; ask for documented build year on used hulls.

Heritage canoe lineup remains supported with parts and service.

Resale

Old Town holds resale tightly in the heritage kayak segment. Three-year depreciation runs 20 to 28 percent on Sportsman fishing kayaks.

Where Old Town fits

Buyers cross-shop Old Town against Hobie on the pedal-kayak segment. The argument is heritage Maine production and the PDL pedal-drive system.

FAQ

Frequently asked.

PDL or MirageDrive?
PDL is propeller-based; MirageDrive is fin-based. PDL runs slightly faster top end. MirageDrive is quieter and more weed-resistant. Cross-shop on intended use environment (open water vs vegetated).
What's the maintenance cost on a Sportsman BigWater PDL?
PDL service runs $200 to $400 every 200 hours. Insurance for a $3,500 kayak runs $200 to $400.
Where are Old Towns built?
Old Town, Maine. Johnson Outdoors-owned facility, 125+ years of continuous production.

Compare

Categories Old Town fits.

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