Predator 13 Review and Build

A couple weeks ago I began watching videos and reading reviews on the Old Town Predator 13.  The features I had come to enjoy in a kayak were imcorporated into this boat - less bungees on the deck, a battery bag up front in the hull, the quick lock front hatch, a low center console, OK Tetra rod pod cover, access to the hull, paddle cradles, and the comfy hi-lo seat.  Other features I liked, replaceable mounting plates for gear, a sloped wide open floor from back to front, side pockets on either side of the seat and a hull design focused on stability.

Like all of us, our minds begin racing with ideas on how to rig it.  However, first I had to take it out on the water - so Shilo and I took a quick trip to Bodega Bay. 

It was a calm day, easy launch off the beach and paddle out past sea lion island.  At first it was a little more work to paddle and at times there was a desire for the old trusty rudder I had become accustomed to on my other kayaks.  It did not take long to adapt and the rest of our venture was paddled with ease.  Before we left the winds and chop picked up - finally a chance to test it's stability in moderate conditions.  I took some chop head on and the sharp hull sliced through the waves.  I grinned as I reflected on the days I paddled my OK T13, splashing water over the bow - fun!  Then I turned parallel to the waves as that would be a true test of stability.  As the waves hit the sides of the boat - not once - did I feel as though she was going to tip.  All the way back to shore I rocked back and forth, sometimes leaning 45 degrees - not a problem in this boat.  Had conditions been worse, I'm confident my first impressions would have been equally enjoyable.

What I came to like about the boat right away was the roominess.  My calves used to touch the sides of the boat and center hatch in my OK T13.  My Jackson Cuda 14 had more room than the OK T13, but the center hatch was still high.  In the OT P13, more room, low hatch and high sides; you feel as though you are down in the boat and settled in the water vs. riding high and on top of the water.  With my legs fully extended there was still plenty of room forward of my feet and the adjustable pedals could go farther forward for those with longer legs.  I began reaching around to get a feel for where to place things.  I realized there were several options for the FF and decided it would mount in the first hole just beyond the cup holder - an easy reach while still leaving a lot of deck space.  Reaching to the rear I decided on some RAM Tubes forward on the rear mounting plates which would leave enough room for an easy reach and retrieval of the tackle box behind the seat without knocking into things.  As for the rod holder, it will be forward on the mounting plates closest to the seat.

Some quick pictures, then time to rig it...

Nice! The rod pod cover is actually from the Tetra. Its just a touch smaller than the Trident cover. We will have 3 13's and an MX to demo at Albion. I was stoked when I paddled it too. Congrats!

Nice review, thanks!  Care to submit it to Kayak Fishing Magazine?  We just featured the Predator in our recent issue and a "user" review, as always, would be appreciated!

Check other reviews here:  http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/fishing-kayaks-1/fishing-kayak-reviews.html

and send your piece to:

[email protected]

thanks

Bushy

Mounting the FF.  Given the relationship between OK and Hummingbird FFs, no surprise the boat is ready to receive a Hummingbird FF.  I have taken a liking to my trusty Lowrance Mark 4 though so I had to figure that out.  After help from yakhopper, sonoramike and others; this is what I decided on...

The scupper hole will take a Lowrance transducer bracket; however, unlike the Ultra 4.3 there are not Andy threaded inserts to screw the bracket into.  I also have prior experience with the Lowrance transducer kit and Im not a fan of the plastic bolt and wing nut.  So I explored something similar with metal bolts.

First, I had to drill another hole in the transducer bracket so I would get a straight pull when tightening it down.  This proved to snug the transducer bracket against the hull nicely - rock solid.

Next, I used a 1/4" x 6" "J" bolt to hook the nut. 

Next, I drilled the center of the Lowrance scupper cap bracket to receive the "J" bolt.

Next, I pushed it through the scupper to measure the bolt and cut to length.

Next, I inserted an elongated plastic washer over the top bolt.  This keeps the bracket from bending when you tighten down the bolt and covers up the bolt threads to protect the transducer cord.

Next, I ground down a washer on one side as to not interfere with the Lowrance scupper cap slot where the wire threads through.

Finally, assemble and put on the Lowrance cap.

I then places a Western Marine Through Hull wire cap to the right for the cords to run through; and finally another wire cap on the hatch itself to connect to the FF.

I am very happy with the results, but I will keep an eye on the transducer as it does not fully into the scupper.  It will be protected to a degree, but I will have to be mindful of loading, unloading and not dragging the kayak when not necessary.  Worse thing that can happen - Ill have to buy a Hummingbird

Nice! The rod pod cover is actually from the Tetra. Its just a touch smaller than the Trident cover. We will have 3 13's and an MX to demo at Albion. I was stoked when I paddled it too. Congrats!

Ah, that's right - thanks for the correction; fixed.

Nice review, thanks!  Care to submit it to Kayak Fishing Magazine?  We just featured the Predator in our recent issue and a "user" review, as always, would be appreciated!

Check other reviews here:  http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/fishing-kayaks-1/fishing-kayak-reviews.html

and send your piece to:

[email protected]

thanks

Bushy

Bushy, I'd be honored.  I should have the rest of the rigging complete tomorrow.

dude you rock!  nice clean instal and great pix.  You can send directly to me as editor-
[email protected]

send pix large files >1mb if possible.  Multiple emails are fine and

THANKS!

K.I.S.S. rigging complete. 

As soon as I saw the mounting plates I began thinking of a way to recess some tracks.  Within a few days I saw YakAttack had a prototype mounting plate with tracks.  I contacted Luther in hopes I could get my hands on some; unfortunately, there just was not enough time before Albion.  Fearful of trying to cut the mounting plates myself without spares on hand I began thinking of other mounting options.  Scotty Mounts, Mighty Mounts, tracks - you name it.  In the end it came down to a simple RAM ball - ones hole - one bolt - done.  What I like about this arrangement is there is "nothing else".  The ball rests directly on the plate.  One note, you do have to put a couple screws on the backside so the "T" bolt end stays put.

So, she's ready for Albion.  I may change things up later or grow content with things the way they are.  In part, thats what makes the Predator special - new product on the market - want to try something different - toss the old plate over your shoulder, grab a new one and go for it!

Kenny looks great, I can't wait to start on mine!
Jeff

Jeff, when are you getting yours?

I already have it, I won mine at Rockfish wars, still can't belive I won it!!
I have had it out twice trolling for kokanee,  and blood in the boat both times.
This is a very stable kayak. How did it do in big blue?? We are heading over to Trinidad this Saturday for a day trip with my boys, can't wait!!!!

Thought I'd give a little update after my second outing.  For those at Albion, you know the conditions were tame Saturday in comparison to years past as Im told.  On Sunday; however, there were some nice size swells and the conditions were rougher.

This weekend I've done things Ive never done in a kayak while on the ocean.  I got up on my knees and turned around to get things in the back.  Not because I needed to, but because I felt comfortable enough to try.  Between the high sides, flat deck and stability it just seemed like the thing to do at the time and I did so with ease.  I put my feet up on the sides, leaned back and enjoyed being one with the water - bobbling up and down and side to side with the waves.  I wasn't looking at the waves all the time - looking for the rogue wave that could knock you over - just wasn't as big a concern in this boat.  That said, Im not suggesting one shouldn't be wave watching as safety dictates you should.  Which leads to one event which just happened.  After losing a rig to the rocks below I was setting up the rod when suddenly a wave hit the bow from a 45 degree angle.  The wave crashed over the bow flooding the kayak with water - it was a surprise, but not once did I feel as though she was going to tip over.  Wasn't long before the water drained out and it was like nothing ever happened.

OK - although not a great example of safety on the water - I share only to emphasize the stability of this kayak in comparison to others I have owned.  If stability on the ocean is important to you - the Predator should be on your short list for consideration.

As for speed, I was averaging 2.5 mph.  When paddling to meet up/ catch up with Shilo 3.5 mph.  When riding the swells on my way to shore 3.0 - 3.9 mph.  Not bad for a 33" wide kayak.

Oh yeah - first blood!

I already have it, I won mine at Rockfish wars, still can't belive I won it!!
I have had it out twice trolling for kokanee,  and blood in the boat both times.
This is a very stable kayak. How did it do in big blue?? We are heading over to Trinidad this Saturday for a day trip with my boys, can't wait!!!!

What you waiting on - rig that thing . Wish you were closer - I'd gladly help

Thanks for the great review Kenny.