The hybrid cat hull design provides maximum stability without sacrificing paddling performance. The SS127 "Sit/Stand" fishing kayak is the result of months of R&D and has been carefully designed for Ultimate Fishability. Bonafide kayaks are famous for the Hi Cat tunnel hull with modified pontoons for stability and tracking. In 2009, Luther Cifers was an avid kayak angler looking for a better way to add a navigation light to his kayak. Bonafide last year was so backed up with production that people would pay new prices for a used kayak. As expected, the Bonafide kayak has some of the most unique and functional fishing features on the water. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. But pound for pound, they are about the most stable kayak I've encountered. And the wind on the ocean is a bit more fierce than in smaller ponds. I simply grabbed 2 Berkeley rod holders (~$24) and zip tied them to a milk crate (free). I got tired of my rods sliding all the way up in the hull of my Bonafide SS127. The Shearwater 125 has the same length and load capacity as the Bonafide SS127 making it another good choice for those looking to head out for multiple days. Finally, my only quibble with the Bonafide SS127is that it has no option for a pedal drive, unlike the Jackson Kilroy HD. The ultra-high back seat allows you to sit with your knees bent, taking pressure off of your lower back. RELATED: Best Fishing Kayak. For a convenient place to store the paddle when Im standing and fishing, the Bonafide Kayak has a plastic strap and padded area in the bow to hold one blade. Sucks that Covid turned the market upside down. It came in at $1,299. It is easy to add an electric outboard or trolling motor to increase the kayaks range and improve performance. After fishing with that Field & Stream Eagle Run fishing kayak for so many years, I had no idea what a real kayak for anglers was. Whether lake fishing, river fishing, inshore or offshore fishing, the Bonafide SS127 is truly an incredible fishing kayak ready for all water environments. If this doesnt sound appealing to you, you may want to go with a sit-in kayak instead like the Tsunami 125. Bonafide determines capacity by where the performance of the kayak becomes very diminished. Sit-in kayaks are narrower with a more defined cockpit area that protects your legs and lower torso from rain and splashing waves, especially if youre wearing a spray skirt to cover the top of the cockpit. Not only would they slide up in the hull and make it hard to reach, but they would apparently bounce around during travel and the spinning reels would start to wind putting a lot of tension on the line and rods which was also helping them to get all tangled together. Its not kind of stable. The SS stands for Sit-Stand and anglers will feel quite comfortable doing both on this kayak, even while having it loaded almost to the max and packed down with lots of gear. I discovered a new-ish kayak company called Bonafide. Last year I bought an SS127 for $1030 brand new in March before everything went to hell. Its every piece, every part, and every function being carefully designed for versatility and with the kayak angler in mind. And thats okay. Read This Before Posting! By Its crazy stable. Actually I'd go with it even if there were $300 or so separating them, all other things being equal. They have several models at different price-points. It's a totally drill less mount. I wouldn't go much above what you plan to offer, though. As an example, side handles on a boat like this are crucial for me. So, Cifers worked with long-time kayak designer Hanz Nutz to build the Bonafide SS127, and the rest is history. Please note that due to lighting, studio photography, room conditions, different screens on various devices, some minor colour variation can occur. Please Note:Actual product colours may vary. A few paddle strokes later will leave you wondering how a fishing kayak this stable and only 12 feet-7 inches long paddles and tracks so well. Even the value-priced RS117 uses some of the cool features from more expensive models, like an integrated DryPod for storing and rigging electronics. Our advice, try it before you buy it. Reply The experience starts with the incredibly comfortable HiRise kayak seating system. The Bonafide RS117 is a kayak that offers much of the high-end performance that the Bonafide brand is known for, but with a more affordable price tag. Its an overall kayak angling experience in which things work the way they should work. Plan on investing in a sizable kayak rack and the proper straps so that you can safely get your Bonafide kayak to the water. Update: July 14, 2020. At the back, you get a huge tankwell storage area that can fit a milk crate or black pack with some rod holders, as well as a medium-sized cooler. The only downside is its almost always out of stock.]. Kayaks with a high-low seat perform best with a paddle with an adjustable shaft. The Wilderness Systems ATAK 140 was also on the top of my list, but when I saw the 14 foot boat in person, I knew there was no way I could maneuver it out of the water without a trailer or truck bed. The Bonafide ss107 tracks much better on slow moving water, oddly enough. Bonafide kayak mods. Multi-rod and paddle management points For us, the bar was set at Ultimate Fishability. @filipe Yes. The Bonafide SS127 gets the tunnel hull right, and the boat travels straight, paddles easily, and stays stable. It comes with two flush mount rod holders and an awesome removable dry box. Keep your feet as wide apart as you can. Warranty on Kayak parts: 1 Year For me, the Wilderness ATAK 120 and ATAK 140 almost beat Bonafide out when I was searching. Lifting the seat into the high position makes it easier to stand and fish. However, for big guys the poles on the sides are very uncomfortable. Just $1 per month , A sit-on-top kayak made for stand-up fishing, By Thanks again for the reply. Two of the best minds in fishing kayak design worked for a year to create the best stand-up fishing kayak. I've just got to figure out how to make more space. You can find used Bonafide kayaks on social media sites, online classifieds and through paddle shops. Since the Bonafide SS127 is a paddle kayak, it is especially deadly in shallow, weed-choked, and rock-strewn water. After working with the biggest kayak companies in the business, Cifers decided to create his own kayak as a continuation of his gadget business. So far, its not the best, but Im sure Ill get accustomed to it. This steering kit utilizes the stock Double Acting Foot Braces featured on the Bonafide SS Series and offers hands free steering capabilities. I'm part of the Bonafide Facebook groups, and shortly after the supply ran out entirely. Bonafide uses a tunnel hull while Vibe goes with a more traditional keeled hull. The experience starts with the incredibly comfortable HiRise kayak seating system. To save a few bucks, Bonafide offers the value-priced RS117, which has a hull and seat similar to the more expensive SS127 but doesnt have the bow hatch and storage options. Low Profile Deck Fittings Learn how your comment data is processed. [ See also: Bonafide SS127 Fishing Kayak Review ] The result is a boat almost incapable of flipping over. Youll notice right away that the SS127 sit-on-top fishing kayak is one of the most stable kayaks youve ever been in, which is surprising considering its 33.5 width. Vibe Kayaks and Bonafide both have a handful of models focused on fishing. Haha. Right now they only come with the ss127. Bonafide SS127 Specs Length: 12'7" Width: 33.75" Deck Height: 15.5" Weight: 94 lbs Capacity: 475 lbs MSRP: $1,649 USD The boats were hot off the design table, straight out of the oven; no one had seen them outside the guys standing around Lake Cunningham boat ramp in Greenville South Carolina. Designed for maximum stability without sacrificing paddling performance and angler-friendly features where you need them, you really have to paddle this craft to fully appreciate it. Overall, the Bonafide SS127 is my #1 recommendation for big and tall guys who dont want a pedal kayak. For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used fishing kayak, read our article How To Buy A Used Fishing Kayak. Old Town has more than a dozen kayak models compared to five boats from Bonafide. Crescent, on the other hand, has a traditional keeled hull with a slight rocker for speed and maneuverability. The result is the Bonafide SS127. The closest comparison would be between the Vibe Sea Ghost with the Bonafide RS117 for a grab-and-go kayak with essential features at a great price. It sits 15.5 inches above the hull! When Luther Cifers, owner of YakAttack fishing accessories, set out to create the ultimate fishing kayak, he had long days of casting topwater lures or working jigs in his mind. Its the comfort and ergonomics that enable long days on the water. Almost got a BK-52 bomber, but just missed it so since they didn't have it, theyoffered me the Tiki at the regular price. While the Bonafide SS127 is not cheap, you definitely get what you pay for. Since Bonafide kayaks come rigged with rod holders, gear tracks, a paddle holder and other accessories, anglers can go fishing right out . Here are my first impressions. This is very important to avoid spooking the fish. I'm seeing used Pelican sit-insides listed for $350 when the local Academy has them in stock for $229. Rear gear tracks would be a nice standard touch for the boat. Since then, Bonafide has added a less expensive RS117 and hybrid sit-inside EX123. Average (2023) Hobie Mirage Passport 12 Review Is It Worth the Hype? Its earned a dedicated following because of its unparalleled fishability. Stop paddling, and the next surprise is the smooth and sustained glide. Ultimate Fishability: The Bonafide Sit/Stand Kayaks: Value Redefined: The Bonafide Rise Series, The SUV of Kayaks: The Bonafide Expedition Series, Triple Threat: The Propel Pedal Drive Series, Meet the most stable kayaks on earth. Bonafide kayaks are great for bass fishing in lakes, ponds and lazy rivers. I can fit extra rods, safety flags, or bags in the dry hatch at the bow of the boat. I finally made this hack to fix all that.E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive - https://amzn.to/3e8TfJAThis video and description may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which means that if you click on one of the products links, I'll receive a small commission. The boats open cockpit, free of obstructions, makes it popular with fly fishermen. Manufactured In: USA For several weeks I researched upgrades that would allow for a superior fishing experience on the water, but also allow me to go on non-fishing kayak excursions with friends on local rivers. For us, the bar was set at Ultimate Fishability. Bow hatch with Doubleheader hinges And pair it with a MotorGuide Xi3 kayak motor to really up your game. I guess you cant improve on perfection. This leaves the Bonafide Kayak alone in the Bonafide lineup as one of the best stand-up fishing kayaks that will probably never be repeated or redesigned. It also has great fishing features and amazing storage space. Explore the SS127 Watch Videos Find a Dealer 10' 7" SIT | STAND Don't confuse the compact SS107 with an entry level or "small person" kayak. From the sounds of it, I should take a shot at the OT and see how that goes. The icing on the cake is that in spite of all of this, the SS127 turns really well. Bonafides EX123 sit-inside has a huge cockpit and a unique dashboard with a dry box to keep important items safely close at hand. And a lot of anglers will want these boats for those reasons. You can mod them out to your liking. Even the Bonafide ss127 turned out to be too large. Return Policy | Side carry handle with paddle storage In addition to outstanding stability, this kayak has decent tracking and is quite fast compared to kayaks of similar size and structure. At this price point, you also get a ton of fishing features that simply arent on cheaper kayaks. However, standing up was pretty difficult due to the wake caused by larger boats. Set your nearest store location to see more relevant results. On the other hand, a great paddling boat with a keel, rocker, and narrow beam, turns stand-up fishing into a circus act. A lot of anglers don't really do much of that; if they need to cover any distance, they slap on a trolling motor. Bonafide SS127 Kayak Skin Price: $499.99 Brand: Bonafide Kayaks Condition: New Weight: 3.00 LBS Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Delivery: $5.00 (Fixed shipping cost) * Color: Woodsman Stars and Stripes Live Freshwater Series Large Mouth Bass Live Freshwater Series Crappie Live Saltwater Series Red Fish Live Saltwater Series Striper Blackout He sold it for $50 under retail and had tons of people want it..supply and demand. And gives you two options on how to mount your motor. A lot of people put motors on peddle kayaks, which I don't understand at all. May be an indicator that the factory personnel were rushing / dont care about details. I can stand just fine on both of them. Weight Capacity: 475 lbs /215.46 kg It also comes with a removable dry pod as well. Bonafide SS127 Yak | Outdoor Board Outdoor Board Return Jump to Bottom Page 1 Posted by Message sigsauer LSU Fan LA Member since Jan 2009 450 posts Bonafide SS127 Yak Posted on 8/22/21 at 5:15 am 0 0 Yak guys, anyone have experience in a Bonafide SS127? It paddles reasonably well for such a wide boat (I think it's 33" or thereabouts), has a pretty good seat, and it stable enough that most people can stand. I spoke w the OT owner and he said he'd think about it. You're not winning any races in that yak. You must select a pickup location before you can add this item to your cart. The RS117 seat is close to the same height as the SS127 in the low position. They said they would be sending out replacements soon. NOW $2,649 SAVE 12% ($350) 4 payments of $662.25 2649 Pay later, no interest Choose Pickup or Delivery. Paddle kayaks shine in shallow water, rocky, stumpy and grassy areas where near zero draft becomes an asset. But before he started the company that has brought so many iconic gadgets and doohickeys to paddle and pedal anglers, Cifers was a kayak fisherman. Since Bonafide kayaks come rigged with rod holders, gear tracks, a paddle holder and other accessories, anglers can go fishing right out of the box. Many anglers report that this kayak has one of the best overall seating designs in the industry thanks to the hard work of the engineers at Bonafide. Six months before the Bonafide SS127 was released to the public, Luther Cifers invited me to the factory in Greenville, North Carolina, to test the fishing kayak and give him my thoughts. The polyethylene hull design should be more than capable of protecting you from the majority of bumps and collisions. Between that and a boat I may be waiting a year sure hope not. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Its too busy building a platform with multiple electric engine mount locations in the bow and stern. My dilemma is which one do I make an offer to firstlol. Copyright 2023 Delaware Paddlesports. Length:12' 7" / 3.84m SeatRack positioning system The two boats that caught my attention were the Bonafide ss127 and Bonafide ss107. Its not kind of stable. Bonafide kayaks are wider and heavier with a high capacity, Crescents fishing kayaks are lighter, quicker and simpler. It was designed by anglers, for anglers and is loaded with features you won't find anywhere else. To paddle long distances through open water, a traditional hull is best. Happy paddling! Bonafide SS127 is described as a "high-seated" kayak, but you might never know it based on the superb stability this one has. Modified pontoons for stability and tracking crate ( free ) big guys poles... 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