Q's about <11' OEM trolling motor/motor capable kayaks
 

I'm new to kayak fishing but not new to fishing. I have a pretty good idea of the sort of kayak fishing experience I want, and could use some model-specific advice.

What I want: a high quality, 10’ 6” or shorter SOT kayak with an OEM trolling motor or OEM motor-capable setup and OEM rudder system. This boat will be used for non-tournament bass fishing on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which is brackish, tidal, and can get choppy.

My budget for this boat will be $2.5k to $3k. I hope to pull the trigger within the next 1-2 months.

Each of the three models below seems like it could do what I want. I am very interested in the Old Towne 106 MK, as it looks like the ideal boat for me, but I would welcome opinions on any of these kayaks.

The main qualities I want, in list form:

• 10’ 6” or shorter for storage and transport
• high quality construction and design
• Trolling motor equipped or capable with OEM parts/support. "Younger me" would make my own and make it work, "older me" is willing to pay for something well engineered and well made, provided it's better than my own efforts
• Built-in rudder system. As above, I would prefer something OEM and don’t want to roll my own this time
• stable enough to cast from a standing position
• <$3k

There are cheaper kayaks with many of these features, but I want to avoid the headaches of a cheaply made boat and would prefer to get something of better quality that is sturdy on the water and which will last me a while. I would prefer to buy once and enjoy.

These three boats all look promising. and I could use some input from anyone who has opinions on them:

• Old Towne SPORTSMAN 106 POWERED BY MINN KOTA
• Native Watercraft Slayer 10 Max
• Native Watercraft Titan Propel 10.5

The Old Towne seems perfect, tbh, so I’m most interested in opinions on it, but am also interested in learning more about the Native boats. Also, can anyone tell me the difference between the Slayer 10 Max and the Titan Propel 10.5? Yes, I realize one is 6” longer - clever joke goes here - but apart from that, what's the difference(s)? Why have two different models so close in size and price?

TIA for whatever info you can share! Also, if you know of another well-made boat in this price range with these qualities that I'm overlooking, please point me to it so I can consider it as well. Thank you!