Video · Kayak Reviews
Bonafide Kayak On the Water: Stability and Performance Test
I put the new Bonafide fishing kayak on the water to test its stability and performance and share my first impressions.
What’s in this video
I got the new Bonafide kayak on the water, and my first impression was comfort. Sitting in it feels like a lazy boy recliner in your living room, the kind of seat you can fish from all day. It paddles really well in the high seat position, tracks straight and gets up to speed with little effort.
Initial stability is ok, but the secondary stability from the aggressive tri-hull is insane. I felt very confident moving around on the deck. I think it’ll be a decent competitor to the Wilderness Systems ATAK. I really liked the removable center sonar pod, and I think it could even work for a DIY trolling motor setup. The boat I paddled was a prototype with a lot of 3D printed parts, so the production version with an aluminum mold should be even more refined.
Quick takeaways
- Secondary stability is the standout: the aggressive tri-hull made me confident moving around on deck.
- SS127: 12 ft 7 in, 75 lb, 475 lb capacity, $1599 MSRP. SS107: 10 ft 7 in, 67 lb, 425 lb capacity, $1299 MSRP (prices at the time).
- The removable center sonar pod might also work for a DIY trolling motor mount.
Gear from this video
Read more on KayakDIY
- Bonafide SS127 Review: Ultra-Stable Sit-Stand Fishing Kayak
- Bonafide SS107 Review: Compact Stable Fishing Kayak
Bonafide SS127 and SS107 Fishing Kayaks: A Detailed First Report
Bonafide EX123 Sit-Inside Kayak and New FlexWing for SS127/SS107
Lightning Strike HD Pedal Kayak: Unboxing and Full Walkthrough