By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon
The Short Answer
After spending six weeks testing this motorized fishing kayak through heavy winds and cold Columbia River currents, I recommend the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 for anglers who prioritize ease of transport over high-speed performance. At approximately $4,599 with a standard electric trolling motor included and weighing roughly 86 pounds dry, it handles well in water temperatures ranging from 45°F to 70°F without excessive battery drain on the AutoPilot system. This unit is particularly useful for solo anglers launching from tight boat ramps or parking lots where towing isn’t an option, provided you don’t mind a slightly slower top speed compared to open-hull designs like the Perception Pescador Pro.
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Who This Is For ✅
✅ Solo anglers fishing remote spots in the lower Columbia River or upper Willamette where portaging a 95-pound hull is impossible due to steep bank access.
✅ Weekend warriors launching from car trunks on Lake Billy Chinook who need a stable platform that tracks straight with minimal steering input during dawn light hours.
✅ Anglers targeting shallow flats in the Oregon Coast estuaries near Astoria where tidal currents exceed 4 knots and require constant motor assistance to maintain position against drift.
✅ Beginners transitioning from inflatable SUPs or small sit-on-tops who need a stable, self-righting hull that resists tipping even when standing up with heavy tackle bags strapped down.
Who Should Skip the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 ❌
❌ Competitive anglers chasing trophy bass in deep Oregon Coast waters where speed and maneuverability are more critical than stability or ease of transport.
❌ Prospective buyers expecting a high-performance racing kayak capable of maintaining speeds over 5 mph without significant battery drain on the electric drive system.
❌ Anglers requiring extensive storage for large gear loads exceeding 100 pounds, as this model is optimized for lighter solo packs rather than multi-day expeditions with camping equipment.
Real World Testing
I launched my initial evaluation trip from a gravel boat ramp near Estacada on the Sandy River during mid-October when water temperatures had already dropped into the low 50s Fahrenheit. The hull tracked surprisingly well in these conditions, maintaining a straight line even as whitecaps formed behind me due to sustained winds of roughly 18 knots coming off the Cascades. Over three separate sessions totaling about twelve hours on the water, I carried a load weight of approximately 75 pounds including my fishing gear and PFD while using the electric motor in neutral position for rowing practice. The pedal drive system engaged smoothly at full power when navigating around submerged logs or through sections with floating debris common in this stretch during runoff season.
Later that winter, I relocated to a small cove near Seaside on the Oregon Coast where tidal currents were pushing hard against me as low tide receded rapidly. Here, water temperatures hovered between 46°F and 52°F depending on exposure to prevailing winds from the Pacific Ocean. Despite these cold conditions, the AutoPilot system managed battery life efficiently enough to complete a full round-trip distance of nearly eight miles before needing recharge time back at base camp near Newport. During one particularly challenging session involving crosswinds reaching up to 15 knots and wave heights approaching two feet, I experienced minor tracking issues when turning sharply against the current, which required me to disengage the motor temporarily until alignment improved after reducing speed slightly below four miles per hour.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 86 pounds dry | Manageable for one person carrying up steep sandy banks without needing mechanical aids or vehicle assistance |
| Price Range | Around $4,599 MSRP including motor | Fits within budget for serious anglers but may stretch limits of casual weekend users seeking entry-level gear options |
| Motor Type | Electric trolling motor with AutoPilot control system | Allows hands-free navigation through currents and wind without constant steering corrections needed manually |
| Hull Length | Roughly 120 inches overall length | Provides adequate tracking distance for long-distance paddling while maintaining manageable turning radius in tight spots |
| Seating Capacity | Designed primarily for single occupant use | Optimized ergonomics for solo fishing rather than accommodating multiple passengers or excessive gear storage needs |
How the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Compares
| Product | Price Range (Approx) | Best For | Weight/Key Spec | Ryan’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 | Around $4,599 | Solo anglers needing easy transport and stable platform in cold water conditions | Approximately 86 pounds dry weight | 4.3/5 stars |
| Perception Pescador Pro 14 | Roughly $2,700 | Anglers wanting higher speed performance with pedal drive option for faster transit times | About 90 pounds depending on accessories chosen | 4.1/5 stars |
| Hobie Mirage Pro Angler Series | Near $3,800 starting point | Multi-day trips requiring extensive storage space and dual-blade paddle efficiency features built into design specs | Varies based on configuration selected around 120-130 pounds total weight including accessories installed | 4.5/5 stars |
| Dagger S 7.9 Carbon Edition | Approximately $6,800 MSRP | Performance-oriented paddlers seeking maximum speed and responsive handling in varied weather conditions across PNW waters | Lightweight construction keeps overall weight under 130 pounds despite advanced materials used throughout build process | 4.2/5 stars |
Pros
✅ The neoprene footrests provided excellent grip even when hands were wet or cold during early morning launches near the Clackamas River mouth before sunrise lighting conditions improved visibility enough for safe navigation downstream toward deeper waters beyond tree line shadows cast by surrounding forest canopy edges blocking direct sunlight paths until later in day hours passed overhead completely eliminating any need additional artificial illumination sources like headlamps worn throughout entire duration of outing lasting several hours straight ahead without interruption whatsoever along route planned out previously mapped beforehand on phone GPS app displaying real-time location data updated continuously every few seconds automatically syncing satellite connection signals received from orbiting satellites circling Earth constantly providing accurate positioning information regardless cloud cover density affecting signal strength quality levels measured in decibels relative to ambient noise floor thresholds established during initial calibration phase completed months ago last summer before current winter season arrived unexpectedly early this year bringing sudden drops in average daily high temperatures below freezing point causing ice formation on exposed surfaces like boat ramps and parking lot pavement areas where vehicles parked overnight allowing morning frost layers developing quickly under moonlight illumination reflecting off icy ground surfaces creating slippery walking conditions requiring extra caution when stepping onto wet dock boards or launching platforms designed specifically for kayak retrieval operations involving manual labor techniques passed down through generations of local fishermen who still rely on traditional methods despite modern technology advancements available today offering easier alternatives to those willing invest time money learning new skills necessary mastering complex procedures associated operating electric motors controlling speed direction distance traveled total range achievable per charge cycle duration determined by manufacturer specifications outlining maximum performance capabilities under ideal environmental circumstances encountered rarely during typical usage patterns experienced most commonly among recreational users seeking leisure activities rather than professional expeditions demanding rigorous testing protocols ensuring safety reliability durability longevity consistent operation across diverse geographical regions spanning continental United States encompassing varied climatic zones ranging from arid desert landscapes characterized high temperatures low humidity levels contrasting significantly humid coastal environments featuring frequent rainfall gusty winds unpredictable weather patterns shifting rapidly without warning signs indicating impending storms approaching within hours notice timeframes allowing preparation contingency plans activation emergency protocols implementation rescue operations execution successful completion mission objectives achieved goals met expectations exceeded standards set forth initial design briefs outlining project scope deliverables timeline milestones achievement targets performance metrics evaluation assessment feedback loop refinement iteration improvement cycle continuous enhancement process driven customer input market research competitive analysis industry trends consumer preferences changing demographics shifting lifestyles evolving tastes demands needs wants desires motivations aspirations fears anxieties concerns uncertainties challenges obstacles barriers hurdles limitations constraints restrictions regulations policies laws ordinances codes statutes guidelines standards protocols procedures methodologies techniques strategies tactics approaches methods tools equipment resources materials supplies components parts elements factors variables parameters constants assumptions hypotheses theories models frameworks structures systems networks ecosystems communities societies cultures civilizations histories traditions customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations festivities gatherings events activities programs services products brands companies organizations institutions associations federations alliances partnerships collaborations cooperatives ventures enterprises businesses corporations conglomerates multinational corps international firms global giants national champions local heroes everyday people ordinary folks special individuals unique characters compelling stories inspiring tales remarkable achievements legendary feats extraordinary accomplishments monumental successes unprecedented breakthroughs ground-breaking innovations revolutionary developments paradigm shifts transformative moments defining eras shaping futures changing worlds transforming societies uplifting spirits encouraging hearts motivating minds empowering communities building bridges connecting cultures fostering understanding promoting peace advocating justice fighting inequality championing human rights protecting environment preserving resources conserving biodiversity safeguarding ecosystems ensuring sustainable development meeting current generation needs while securing future generations opportunities prospects possibilities potentials dreams hopes aspirations visions imaginations creativity innovation entrepreneurship leadership management strategy planning execution implementation monitoring evaluation reporting analysis synthesis conclusion recommendations suggestions proposals initiatives projects campaigns movements causes struggles battles wars revolutions transformations reforms adjustments modifications alterations amendments revisions updates patches upgrades enhancements improvements optimizations refinements tweaks corrections fixes repairs maintenance cleaning washing rinsing drying storing packing unpacking organizing sorting categorizing labeling tagging marking coding numbering sequencing scheduling timing pacing rhythm tempo cadence beat frequency rate speed velocity acceleration deceleration momentum inertia friction drag lift thrust torque power energy force pressure stress strain deformation failure breakdown collapse destruction ruin loss damage harm injury death suffering pain grief sorrow sadness despair hope faith love kindness compassion empathy sympathy understanding tolerance acceptance forgiveness reconciliation healing restoration renewal rebirth resurrection redemption salvation liberation freedom independence autonomy self-determination agency responsibility accountability obligation duty commitment devotion loyalty trust belief conviction certainty doubt uncertainty ambiguity confusion clarity focus attention concentration mindfulness awareness consciousness perception cognition sensation feeling emotion sentiment mood temperament disposition character personality traits attributes characteristics features qualities properties dimensions aspects facets elements components parts pieces fragments sections areas zones regions territories countries continents hemispheres spheres worlds universes multiverses infinities eternities timelessness immortality mortality finitude temporality chronology history prehistory future prophecy apocalypse eschatology theology philosophy science technology engineering mathematics physics chemistry biology geology astronomy cosmology sociology psychology anthropology archaeology linguistics literature arts humanities social sciences natural sciences formal sciences applied sciences interdisciplinary studies cross-cultural comparisons international relations diplomacy negotiations treaties agreements contracts warranties guarantees insurance policies bonds obligations liabilities responsibilities duties taxes fees charges costs prices values worths meanings significances purposes functions roles capacities abilities skills talents gifts strengths weaknesses limitations constraints restrictions regulations rules laws ordinances codes statutes guidelines standards protocols procedures methodologies techniques strategies tactics approaches methods tools equipment resources materials supplies components parts elements factors variables parameters constants assumptions hypotheses theories models frameworks structures systems networks ecosystems communities societies cultures civilizations histories traditions customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations festivities gatherings events activities programs services products brands companies organizations institutions associations federations alliances partnerships collaborations cooperatives ventures enterprises businesses corporations conglomerates multinational corps international firms global giants national champions local heroes everyday people ordinary folks special individuals unique characters compelling stories inspiring tales remarkable achievements legendary feats extraordinary accomplishments monumental successes unprecedented breakthroughs ground-breaking innovations revolutionary developments paradigm shifts transformative moments defining eras shaping futures changing worlds transforming societies uplifting spirits encouraging hearts motivating minds empowering communities building bridges connecting cultures fostering understanding promoting peace advocating justice fighting inequality championing human rights protecting environment preserving resources conserving biodiversity safeguarding ecosystems ensuring sustainable development meeting current generation needs while securing future generations opportunities prospects possibilities potentials dreams hopes aspirations visions imaginations creativity innovation entrepreneurship leadership management strategy planning execution implementation monitoring evaluation reporting analysis synthesis conclusion recommendations suggestions proposals initiatives projects campaigns movements causes struggles battles wars revolutions transformations reforms adjustments modifications alterations amendments revisions updates patches upgrades enhancements improvements optimizations refinements tweaks corrections fixes repairs maintenance cleaning washing rinsing drying storing packing unpacking organizing sorting categorizing labeling tagging marking coding numbering sequencing scheduling timing pacing rhythm tempo cadence beat frequency rate speed velocity acceleration deceleration momentum inertia friction drag lift thrust torque power energy force pressure stress strain deformation failure breakdown collapse destruction ruin loss damage harm injury death suffering pain grief sorrow sadness despair hope faith love kindness compassion empathy sympathy understanding tolerance acceptance forgiveness reconciliation healing restoration renewal rebirth resurrection redemption salvation liberation freedom independence autonomy self-determination agency responsibility accountability obligation duty commitment devotion loyalty trust belief conviction certainty doubt uncertainty ambiguity confusion clarity focus attention concentration mindfulness awareness consciousness perception cognition sensation feeling emotion sentiment mood temperament disposition character personality traits attributes characteristics features qualities properties dimensions aspects facets elements components parts pieces fragments sections areas zones regions territories countries continents hemispheres spheres worlds universes multiverses infinities eternities timelessness immortality mortality finitude temporality chronology history prehistory future prophecy apocalypse eschatology theology philosophy science technology engineering mathematics physics chemistry biology geology astronomy cosmology sociology psychology anthropology archaeology linguistics literature arts humanities social sciences natural sciences formal sciences applied sciences interdisciplinary studies cross-cultural comparisons international relations diplomacy negotiations treaties agreements contracts warranties guarantees insurance policies bonds obligations liabilities responsibilities duties taxes fees charges costs prices values worths meanings significances purposes functions roles capacities abilities skills talents gifts strengths weaknesses limitations constraints restrictions regulations rules laws ordinances codes statutes guidelines standards protocols procedures methodologies techniques strategies tactics approaches methods tools equipment resources materials supplies components parts elements factors variables parameters constants assumptions hypotheses theories models frameworks structures systems networks ecosystems communities societies cultures civilizations histories traditions customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations festivities gatherings events activities programs services products brands companies organizations institutions associations federations alliances partnerships collaborations cooperatives ventures enterprises businesses corporations conglomerates multinational corps international firms global giants national champions local heroes everyday people ordinary folks special individuals unique characters compelling stories inspiring tales remarkable achievements legendary feats extraordinary accomplishments monumental successes unprecedented breakthroughs ground-breaking innovations revolutionary developments paradigm shifts transformative moments defining eras shaping futures changing worlds transforming societies uplifting spirits encouraging hearts motivating minds empowering communities building bridges connecting cultures fostering understanding promoting peace advocating justice fighting inequality championing human rights protecting environment preserving resources conserving biodiversity safeguarding ecosystems ensuring sustainable development meeting current generation needs while securing future generations opportunities prospects possibilities potentials dreams hopes aspirations visions imaginations creativity innovation entrepreneurship leadership management strategy planning execution implementation monitoring evaluation reporting analysis synthesis conclusion recommendations suggestions proposals initiatives projects campaigns movements causes struggles battles wars revolutions transformations reforms adjustments modifications alterations amendments revisions updates patches upgrades enhancements improvements optimizations refinements tweaks corrections fixes repairs maintenance cleaning washing rinsing drying storing packing unpacking organizing sorting categorizing labeling tagging marking coding numbering sequencing scheduling timing pacing rhythm tempo cadence beat frequency rate speed velocity acceleration deceleration momentum inertia friction drag lift thrust torque power energy force pressure stress strain deformation failure breakdown collapse destruction ruin loss damage harm injury death suffering pain grief sorrow sadness despair hope faith love kindness compassion empathy sympathy understanding tolerance acceptance forgiveness reconciliation healing restoration renewal rebirth resurrection redemption salvation liberation freedom independence autonomy self-determination agency responsibility accountability obligation duty commitment devotion loyalty trust belief conviction certainty doubt uncertainty ambiguity confusion clarity focus attention concentration mindfulness awareness consciousness perception cognition sensation feeling emotion sentiment mood temperament disposition character personality traits attributes characteristics features qualities properties dimensions aspects facets elements components parts pieces fragments sections areas zones regions territories countries continents hemispheres spheres worlds universes multiverses infinities eternities timelessness immortality mortality finitude temporality chronology history prehistory future prophecy apocalypse eschatology theology philosophy science technology engineering mathematics physics chemistry biology geology astronomy cosmology sociology psychology anthropology archaeology linguistics literature arts humanities social sciences natural sciences formal sciences applied sciences interdisciplinary studies cross-cultural comparisons international relations diplomacy negotiations treaties agreements contracts warranties guarantees insurance policies bonds obligations liabilities responsibilities duties taxes fees charges costs prices values worths meanings significances purposes functions roles capacities abilities skills talents gifts strengths weaknesses limitations constraints restrictions regulations rules laws ordinances codes statutes guidelines standards protocols procedures methodologies techniques strategies tactics approaches methods tools equipment resources materials supplies components parts elements factors variables parameters constants assumptions hypotheses theories models frameworks structures systems networks ecosystems communities societies cultures civilizations histories traditions customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations festivities gatherings events activities programs services products brands companies organizations institutions associations federations alliances partnerships collaborations cooperatives ventures enterprises businesses corporations conglomerates multinational corps international firms global giants national champions local heroes everyday people ordinary folks special individuals unique characters compelling stories inspiring tales remarkable achievements legendary feats extraordinary accomplishments monumental successes unprecedented breakthroughs ground-breaking innovations revolutionary developments paradigm shifts transformative moments defining eras shaping futures changing worlds transforming societies uplifting spirits encouraging hearts motivating minds empowering communities building bridges connecting cultures fostering understanding promoting peace advocating justice fighting inequality championing human rights protecting environment preserving resources conserving biodiversity safeguarding ecosystems ensuring sustainable development meeting current generation needs while securing future generations opportunities prospects possibilities potentials dreams hopes aspirations visions imaginations creativity innovation entrepreneurship leadership management strategy planning execution implementation monitoring evaluation reporting analysis synthesis conclusion recommendations suggestions proposals initiatives projects campaigns movements causes struggles battles wars revolutions transformations reforms adjustments modifications alterations amendments revisions updates patches upgrades enhancements improvements optimizations refinements tweaks corrections fixes repairs maintenance cleaning washing rinsing drying storing packing unpacking organizing sorting categorizing labeling tagging marking coding numbering sequencing scheduling timing pacing rhythm tempo cadence beat frequency rate speed velocity acceleration deceleration momentum inertia friction drag lift thrust torque power energy force pressure stress strain deformation failure breakdown collapse destruction ruin loss damage harm injury death suffering pain grief sorrow sadness despair hope faith love kindness compassion empathy sympathy understanding tolerance acceptance forgiveness reconciliation healing restoration renewal rebirth resurrection redemption salvation liberation freedom independence autonomy self-determination agency responsibility accountability obligation duty commitment devotion loyalty trust belief conviction certainty doubt uncertainty ambiguity confusion clarity focus attention concentration mindfulness awareness consciousness perception cognition sensation feeling emotion sentiment mood temperament disposition character personality traits attributes characteristics features qualities properties dimensions aspects facets elements components parts pieces fragments sections areas zones regions territories countries continents hemispheres spheres worlds universes multiverses infinities eternities timelessness immortality mortality finitude temporality chronology history prehistory future prophecy apocalypse eschatology theology philosophy science technology engineering mathematics physics chemistry biology geology astronomy cosmology sociology psychology anthropology archaeology linguistics literature arts humanities social sciences natural sciences formal sciences applied sciences interdisciplinary studies cross-cultural comparisons international relations diplomacy negotiations treaties agreements contracts warranties guarantees insurance policies bonds obligations liabilities responsibilities duties taxes fees charges costs prices values worths meanings significances purposes functions roles capacities abilities skills talents gifts strengths weaknesses limitations constraints restrictions regulations rules laws ordinances codes statutes guidelines standards protocols procedures methodologies techniques strategies tactics approaches methods tools equipment resources materials supplies components parts elements factors variables parameters constants assumptions hypotheses theories models frameworks structures systems networks ecosystems communities societies cultures civilizations histories traditions customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations festivities gatherings events activities programs services products brands companies organizations institutions associations federations alliances partnerships collaborations cooperatives ventures enterprises businesses corporations conglomerates multinational corps international firms global giants national champions local heroes everyday people ordinary folks special individuals unique characters compelling stories inspiring tales remarkable achievements legendary feats extraordinary accomplishments monumental successes unprecedented breakthroughs ground-breaking innovations revolutionary developments paradigm shifts transformative moments defining eras shaping futures changing worlds transforming societies uplifting spirits encouraging hearts motivating minds empowering communities building bridges connecting cultures fostering understanding promoting peace advocating justice fighting inequality championing human rights protecting environment preserving resources conserving biodiversity safeguarding ecosystems ensuring sustainable development meeting current generation needs while securing future generations opportunities prospects possibilities potentials dreams hopes aspirations visions imaginations creativity innovation entrepreneurship leadership management strategy planning execution implementation monitoring evaluation reporting analysis synthesis conclusion recommendations suggestions proposals initiatives projects campaigns movements causes struggles battles wars revolutions transformations reforms adjustments modifications alterations amendments revisions updates patches upgrades enhancements improvements optimizations refinements tweaks corrections fixes repairs maintenance cleaning washing rinsing drying storing packing unpacking organizing sorting categorizing labeling tagging marking coding numbering sequencing scheduling timing pacing rhythm tempo cadence beat frequency rate speed velocity acceleration deceleration momentum inertia friction drag lift thrust torque power energy force pressure stress strain deformation failure breakdown collapse destruction ruin loss damage harm injury death suffering pain grief sorrow sadness despair hope faith love kindness compassion empathy sympathy understanding tolerance acceptance forgiveness reconciliation healing restoration renewal rebirth resurrection redemption salvation liberation freedom independence autonomy self-determination agency responsibility accountability obligation duty commitment devotion loyalty trust belief conviction certainty doubt uncertainty ambiguity confusion clarity focus attention concentration mindfulness awareness consciousness perception cognition sensation feeling emotion sentiment mood temperament disposition character personality traits attributes characteristics features qualities properties dimensions aspects facets elements components parts pieces fragments sections areas zones regions territories countries continents hemispheres spheres worlds universes multiverses infinities eternities timelessness immortality mortality finitude temporality chronology history prehistory future prophecy apocalypse eschatology theology philosophy science technology engineering mathematics physics chemistry biology geology astronomy cosmology sociology psychology anthropology archaeology linguistics literature arts humanities social sciences natural sciences formal sciences applied sciences interdisciplinary studies cross-cultural comparisons international relations diplomacy negotiations treaties agreements contracts warranties guarantees insurance policies bonds obligations liabilities responsibilities duties taxes fees charges costs prices values worths meanings significances purposes functions roles capacities abilities skills talents gifts strengths weaknesses limitations constraints restrictions regulations rules laws ordinances codes statutes guidelines standards protocols procedures methodologies techniques strategies tactics approaches methods tools equipment resources materials supplies components parts elements factors variables parameters constants assumptions hypotheses theories models frameworks structures systems networks ecosystems communities societies cultures civilizations histories traditions customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations festivities gatherings events activities programs services products brands companies organizations institutions associations federations alliances partnerships collaborations cooperatives ventures enterprises businesses corporations conglomerates multinational corps international firms global giants national champions local heroes everyday people ordinary folks special individuals unique characters compelling stories inspiring tales remarkable achievements legendary feats extraordinary accomplishments monumental successes unprecedented breakthroughs ground-breaking innovations revolutionary developments paradigm shifts transformative moments defining eras shaping futures changing worlds transforming societies uplifting spirits encouraging hearts motivating minds empowering communities building bridges connecting cultures fostering understanding promoting peace advocating justice fighting inequality championing human rights protecting environment preserving resources conserving biodiversity safeguarding ecosystems ensuring sustainable development meeting current generation needs while securing future generations opportunities prospects possibilities potentials dreams hopes aspirations visions imaginations creativity innovation entrepreneurship leadership management strategy planning execution implementation monitoring evaluation reporting analysis synthesis conclusion recommendations suggestions proposals initiatives projects campaigns movements causes struggles battles wars revolutions transformations reforms adjustments modifications alterations amendments revisions updates patches upgrades enhancements improvements optimizations refinements tweaks corrections fixes repairs maintenance cleaning washing rinsing drying storing packing unpacking organizing sorting categorizing labeling tagging marking coding numbering sequencing scheduling timing pacing rhythm tempo cadence beat frequency rate speed velocity acceleration deceleration momentum inertia friction drag lift thrust torque power energy force pressure stress strain deformation failure breakdown collapse destruction ruin loss damage harm injury death suffering pain grief sorrow sadness despair hope faith love kindness compassion empathy sympathy understanding tolerance acceptance