The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 revolutionizes kayak fishing with its Minn Kota-powered Spot-Lock system, locking your position in currents or wind for targeted casting. Its 36-inch beam and EVA traction deck ensure bass-boat stability, letting anglers stand confidently while battling trophy fish. Customizable 18-inch accessory tracks and a rear tank well adapt to gear setups, whether you’re rigging fish finders or storing coolers.
For anglers prioritizing efficiency, the AutoPilot 136’s foot-controlled steering pairs seamlessly with Bluetooth navigation—no paddling required. The performance advantages become clear when compared with traditional fishing kayaks, while proper trolling motor maintenance extends your 12V system’s lifespan and keeps you fishing longer.
Jump To Specs Of Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136
Specifications of Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136
| Specifications | Details |
| Length | 13 feet |
| Weight | 158 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 660 lbs |
| Motor | Minn Kota Spot-Lock GPS Trolling Motor (45 lbs thrust) |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours (varies with usage) |
| Seat | Phase 3 AirPro Adjustable Seat |
| Storage | 3 Hatches, 10 Rod Holders, Glove Box |
| Material | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Warranty | limited warranty hull, 2-year warranty Minn Kota motor |
Features of Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136
The AutoPilot 136 combines tournament-grade stability with Minn Kota’s advanced motor technology, creating a hands-free fishing platform for serious anglers.
Minn Kota Spot-Lock GPS Trolling Motor
45 lbs Thrust: Delivers powerful, quiet propulsion for smooth navigation in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
Hands-Free Spot-Lock Technology: Locks the kayak’s position within a 5-foot radius, even in wind or currents, letting you focus on casting.
GPS Route Tracking: Pre-program up to 6 routes (2 stored permanently) for repeatable paths to favorite fishing spots.
Wireless Remote Control: Adjust speed (0–5 mph), direction, and GPS functions from up to 100 feet away.
Ultra-Stable Fishing Platform
36-inch Beam: Wide, flat-bottomed hull ensures exceptional stability for standing, casting, or battling large fish.
Weight Capacity: Supports up to 660 lbs, accommodating anglers, gear, coolers, and catches.
Low-Profile Design: Sits close to the water for better balance and reduced wind resistance.
Angler-First Storage & Customization
10 Rod Holders: Includes 4 horizontal and 6 vertical mounts for multi-rod setups.
Watertight Hatches: Three sealed storage compartments (bow, stern, center) keep gear dry and accessible.
Glove Box Console: Waterproof, lockable compartment for phones, keys, and tackle.
Modular Track System: Universal tracks along the gunwales for attaching fish finders, cameras, or rod holders.
Phase 3 AirPro Adjustable Seat
360-Degree Rotating Design: Swivel to face any direction while fishing or navigating.
AirMesh Padding: Breathable, cushioned seat reduces fatigue during long trips.
Height Adjustment: Raise or lower the seat for optimal visibility and comfort.
Durable, Low-Maintenance Construction
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Hull: Resistant to UV rays, impacts, and abrasions.
Rigid Frame: Built to handle rough water and heavy loads without flexing.
Advanced Battery System
Lithium-Ion Compatibility: Works with aftermarket lithium batteries (not included) for extended runtime.
Battery Compartment: Center-located, ventilated storage for easy access and weight distribution.
Up to 5 Hours Runtime: Varies based on motor speed and conditions (e.g., continuous Spot-Lock reduces battery life).
User-Friendly Transport & Setup
Bow Handle & Stern Towing Eyes: Facilitates cartop or trailer transport (kayak weighs 158 lbs).
Motor Deployment Lever: Raise or lower the motor with one hand for shallow-water use.
Retractable Skeg: Improves tracking efficiency when paddling manually.
Pros and Cons of AutoPilot 136
| Pros | Cons |
| Spot-Lock GPS TechnologyLocks position automatically in wind/currents for hands-free fishing | High CostPremium pricing (~$4,000+), plus battery and accessory expenses |
| Bass-Boat Stability36″ beam and pontoon-style hull allow standing, walking, and casting without tipping | Heavy Weight158 lbs (with motor) requires a cart for transport |
| Hands-Free NavigationBluetooth i-Pilot remote + foot pedal steering for precision control | Battery Dependency12V battery (sold separately) limits runtime; lithium upgrades recommended |
| Customizable StorageThe rear tank well fits large coolers/tackle boxes; four 18″ accessory tracks for rigging | Limited Internal StorageNo sealed hatch compartments for gear protection |
| Saltwater-Ready Motor45 lb thrust Minn Kota motor handles coastal conditions and reaches 5 mph | Steep Learning CurveThe foot pedal and remote coordination require practice |
| Tournament-Grade ComfortAdjustable Textilene seat with 3D mesh reduces fatigue during long trips | Bulkier Footprint13’ length complicates storage and vehicle loading |
Maintainance Tips for AutoPilot 136
- Rinse the motor and hull after saltwater use.
- Charge batteries fully and store them in a dry place.
- Inspect seals and hatches regularly for leaks.
User Experience and Reviews
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
| Spot-Lock GPS is a game-changer—holds position perfectly in rough water. | Heavyweight (158 lbs) makes solo transport challenging without a trailer. |
| Stability is unmatched; standing to cast or fight fish feels secure. | Premium price tags may deter budget-conscious buyers. |
| Ample storage with 10 rod holders and watertight compartments. | Battery life drains quickly when using Spot-Lock mode continuously. |
| Phase 3 seat is ultra-comfortable for 8+ hours on the water. | The motor deployment lever can feel stiff in cold weather. |
| Durable HDPE hull handles rocky shores and heavy gear without damage. | Limited color options compared to competitors. |
| The wireless remote works flawlessly for adjusting speed and direction from afar. | Setup time (motor, battery, accessories) adds 15–20 minutes pre-launch. |
| 660 lbs capacity accommodates gear for multi-day trips. | Retractable skeg occasionally snags weeds in shallow water. |
| A 2-year warranty provides peace of mind for long-term use. | Louder motor noise than pedal-driven kayaks at higher speeds. |
FAQs About the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136
Can you stand and fish comfortably in the AutoPilot 136?
Yes. The 36-inch beam and pontoon-style hull provide bass-boat stability, while non-slip EVA foam deck pads ensure secure footing. Anglers report confident standing even during aggressive casting or fighting large fish.
What batteries work with the AutoPilot 136, and how long do they last?
The kayak supports 12V lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid offers a lower upfront cost but lasts 2–3 years, while lithium batteries (recommended) provide 4–6 hours of runtime at medium speed and a longer lifespan despite higher initial costs.
How does steering work with the foot pedals and i-Pilot remote?
The AutoPilot 136 combines foot-pedal steering (push left/right to turn) with Minn Kota’s Bluetooth i-Pilot remote for hands-free navigation. The rudder system allows precise control in forward motion, while the motor rotates 180° for reverse.
How effective is Spot-Lock technology in wind or current?
Spot-Lock uses GPS to hold your position within 2–3 feet, even in strong currents or winds up to 10 mph. While effective, the motor’s GPS mode can emit audible beeps that some find intrusive during quiet fishing.
Are there common issues with motor reliability or rigging?
Early models occasionally experienced GPS module failures, but Old Town’s customer service swiftly replaced defective units. Installing aftermarket accessories (e.g., fish finders) requires navigating internal wiring channels, which can complicate transducer mounting.