You’ll like the AutoPilot 136 if you want a 13’6” motorized fishing kayak that gets you to fish fast and holds position with Minn Kota’s Spot-Lock, letting you cast hands-free while you stalk stripers or reds. It’s roomy, comfortable for long days, and built for serious tackle with rod holders and a custom box, though it’s heavy at 158 lbs and the battery’s sold separately. It’s ideal for anglers who value speed and stability—keep going to learn specifics.
Some Key Points
- Built for anglers wanting a hands-free motorized kayak with a 13’6″ hull and roomy 660 lb max (427 lb usable) capacity.
- Saltwater-ready Minn Kota motor with Bluetooth i-Pilot and Spot-Lock provides steady cruise speeds and position holding.
- Durable angler-focused layout includes spacious storage, multiple rod holders, accessory tracks, and a dual-layer Textilene seat.
- Downsides: heavy hull at 158 lb, removable motor console adds 24 lb, and motor battery is sold separately.
- Recommended if you prioritize speed, stability, and hands-free fishing; skip if weight, cost, or resale are concerns.
Why the AutoPilot 136 Exists: Who This Motorized Fishing Kayak Is For
Because you want to cover water faster and fish with both hands free, the AutoPilot 136 exists to be your tool for serious, comfortable days on saltwater and protected bays. You’re a target anglers who crave range and simplicity, whether you’re chasing inshore stripers or calm estuary reds, and you’ll appreciate how it frees you to cast, net, and steer without juggling gear. Think easy launch scenarios from ramps or soft beaches, quick getaways at dawn, and relaxed afternoons when you want to explore farther. You’ll like the room for tackle, the stable ride, and the independence it delivers.
Key Specs That Matter: Size, Weight, Capacity, Motor and Electronics
When you’re sizing up the AutoPilot 136, the numbers tell most of the story: at 13 feet 6 inches long and 158 pounds, it’s compact enough to handle from a small trailer or a friendly beach launch, yet substantial enough to feel stable in chop. You’ll like the 660-pound max and 427-pound usable capacity if you carry gear and a buddy, and the length stability means you don’t fight the boat when you stand. The saltwater-ready Minn Kota with Bluetooth i-Pilot brings GPS features, Spot-Lock, and a removable weight motor console of 24 pounds for easier transport.
On-Water Performance: Speed, Handling, Spot-Lock, and Battery Considerations
If you want to get somewhere fast without tiring yourself out, the AutoPilot 136‘s Minn Kota drive delivers predictable thrust and surprisingly steady cruise speeds for a 13’6″ fishing yak, so you can spend less time paddling and more time fishing. You’ll enjoy intuitive speed control via the Bluetooth i-Pilot remote, so trimming pace while casting feels natural. Spot-Lock holds you rock-steady for tight presentations, helping drift management in wind or current. Remember, motor battery isn’t included, so good charge planning matters; use prop protection when launching to avoid snags and keep freedom on the water.
Fishing Features and Comfort: Storage, Seating, Rod Management, and Ergonomics
Slide into the AutoPilot 136 and you’ll quickly notice the cockpit was laid out with real anglers in mind—everything feels within reach without crowding your knees. You get roomy paddle storage options and thoughtful compartments that keep gear stowed yet accessible, so you can move freely and fish without fuss. The seat is a cool, dual-layer Textilene throne that supports long days and packs out for easy transport. Multiple rod holders and customizable accessory tracks let you position rods and gadgets where they won’t tangle, and the custom tackle box makes tackle organization simple, fast, and satisfying.
Buy or Skip? Pros, Cons, Alternatives and Final Recommendation
You’ve just gotten a good feel for how the AutoPilot 136 handles gear and comfort, so now let’s look at whether it’s the right kayak to buy. If you crave freedom and want fast, hands-free fishing, buy it: saltwater-ready motor, Spot-Lock GPS, roomy capacity, and accessories compatibility make outings easy. Cons: heavy at 158 pounds, motor battery extra, and higher price may hurt resale value if you don’t keep it pristine. Maintenance tips: rinse saltwater, store dry, service motor annually. If that’s too much, consider a lighter pedal or motorless yak at community events to test alternatives before committing.
Some Questions Answered
Is the Kayak Trailerable With a Small Car?
Yes — you can trailer it with a small car, though you’ll plan carefully for lightweight towing and compact hitching. The kayak’s 158 lb weight and 13’6″ length mean most small cars can tow it on a single-axle trailer, but check your vehicle’s tow rating and tongue weight first. Choose a low-profile trailer with good tie-down points, and practice loading once or twice; you’ll feel free to hit more remote launch spots.
Can It Fit in a Standard Garage Upright?
Yes, it’ll usually fit upright in a standard garage if your garage height and door clearance exceed about 6.5 feet, since the kayak is 13’6” long but sits on its hull height under most ceilings. Check your storage footprint and allow room for maneuvering, plus watch for ceiling obstruction like beams or a garage door opener. You’ll want a helper to tilt it safely and protect finishes.
Are Replacement Parts Widely Available?
Yes — replacement parts are generally easy to find, and you’ll also see plenty of aftermarket accessories if you want upgrades. You can order parts from the manufacturer for things like the motor console weight or seat, and retailers carry propellers, rudder bits, and electronics covers. If you like tinkering, third-party rod holders, tracks, and battery trays give options, so you won’t feel stuck when you need a fix or a custom tweak.
Is Assembly Required Out of the Box?
Yes, some assembly required: you’ll need to attach the rudder, seat, accessory tracks, and motor console, plus install batteries and electronics. For unpacking tips, open boxes on a clean flat surface, keep hardware sorted by bag, and have basic tools ready like a socket and Phillips driver. Take your time, follow the manual, and enlist a friend for heavier pieces — you’ll be launching faster and feeling proud.
What Warranty Covers Electronics and Hull?
Electronics usually carry a one-year limited warranty, and the hull comes with a longer manufacturer’s hull warranty—often three years—so you’re covered for defects, not normal wear or battery lifespan issues. You’ll want to follow corrosion protection tips, like flushing with fresh water and using sacrificial anodes, to keep electronics and hull healthy. If something’s wrong, contact the dealer promptly, document damage, and they’ll guide the claim.
