Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
The Bonafide SS127 was the first kayak from Bonafide, and it became a legend for one reason: it lets you stand and fish like you are on a bass boat deck. The hybrid catamaran hull delivers shocking stability at 12 feet 7 inches, and the angler-first layout still holds up years later.
The Bonafide SS127 was the first kayak from Bonafide, and it became a legend for one reason: it lets you stand and fish like you are on a bass boat deck. The hybrid catamaran hull delivers shocking stability at 12 feet 7 inches, and the angler-first layout still holds up years later.
Check the current price and availability here: https://ecofishingshop.com/products/bonafide-ss127-fishing-kayak?aff=20
Who the SS127 is for
This kayak is for the stand-and-cast angler. If you sight fish for bass, redfish, or snook and spend half your day on your feet, the SS127 was designed around you. It suits lakes, slow rivers, and inshore saltwater. Tournament anglers and weekend warriors alike rig this boat hard because every inch of the deck was planned with fishing in mind.
It is not for paddlers who want speed, or for small anglers who want a light boat to car-top. This is a big, heavy platform built for fishing first.
Stability: a true stand-up platform
The hybrid cat hull is what makes this boat special. It is only 33.75 inches wide, but the catamaran-style design gives it rock-solid primary and secondary stability. Standing feels planted, not tippy. The PerchPads on the gunwales even give you a second standing position up on the rails. Deck traction pads underfoot keep you sure-footed when the deck gets wet.
The HiRise seat and comfort
The HiRise seat sits you up high like a bass boat seat, which gives you a better view of the water and makes standing up effortless. Your knees bend naturally, which takes pressure off your lower back. When you need to paddle hard against wind, the SeatRack system and folding frame let you drop the seat low for a better paddling position. The sliding Junk Drawer under the seat is a small touch that becomes indispensable for tackle, tools, and snacks.
Storage and rigging
The SS127 is one of the best-rigged paddle kayaks ever made. You get YakAttack aluminum GearTrac for accessories, a bow hatch with rod management channels, a DryPod in the center console with a transducer through-hull scupper, multi-rod and paddle management points, and the Boss Strap rod management system. The stern tankwell uses an Omni Hook tie-down system that actually holds a crate in place. It is Power-Pole Micro ready, with replaceable stern skid plates and a stern access plate for hull wiring.
Paddle performance
For a 12-foot-7 stand-up barge, the SS127 paddles surprisingly well. It tracks straight and the glide between strokes is smooth. It turns better than you would expect for its size. That said, it is not fast, and in wind the tall seat and high deck catch air. Plan on a 240 cm paddle and accept that this boat trades speed for fishing performance.
Honest drawbacks
Weight is the honest truth here. The hull is 85 pounds without the seat, 94 with it. Loading this onto a roof rack solo is a two-person job or a trailer job for most people. It is also a pure paddle kayak: if you later want pedals, you are looking at the P127 instead. And at this price level, some anglers will wish for a sealed center hatch instead of the open DryPod layout.
To haul your kayak, we recommend Malone kayak trailers. See them here.
Bonafide SS127 specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12 ft 7 in |
| Width | 33.75 in |
| Hull weight | 85 lb |
| Fully rigged weight | 94 lb |
| Total capacity | 475 lb |
| Deck height | 15.5 in |
| Drive type | Paddle |
| Style | Sit-on-top, sit/stand |
| Material | Rotomolded polyethylene |
| Seat | HiRise with SeatRack |
Frequently asked questions
Bonafide SS127 Fishing Kayak FAQ
Is the SS127 really stable enough to stand in?
Yes. The hybrid cat hull is famous for stand-up stability, and PerchPads give you an elevated standing position on the gunwales.
Can I add a pedal drive to the SS127?
No. The SS127 is paddle-only. Bonafide built the P127 on the same design for anglers who want the Propel pedal drive.
How heavy is it to load?
The hull is 85 pounds and 94 pounds with the seat. Most owners use a trailer, truck bed, or a second person for loading.
Is it good for inshore saltwater?
Yes. It handles lakes, slow rivers, and inshore saltwater well. Rinse the hardware after salt trips like any kayak.
Where to Buy
If the Bonafide SS127 Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
Also check out our reviews of the Bonafide XTR130 Fishing Kayak.
Affiliate disclosure: KayakDIY may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to the reader. Product availability, pricing, and promo codes can change; verify them before purchasing.
