Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
The Bonafide RS117 takes the Hybrid Cat hull from Bonafide’s premium SS series and puts it on a $999 paddle kayak. Stable, simple, and ready to rig your way.
The Bonafide RS117 is the working man’s Bonafide. You get the same catamaran-style Hybrid Cat hull that made the SS127 famous, a 425-pound capacity, and a stand-up-friendly 33.5-inch beam — for about half the price of the SS series. What you give up is the pedal drive option, some premium trim, and a few pounds.
If you want to skip the reading and see what it costs right now, check the current price here.
Who the RS117 is for
This kayak is for the angler who wants Bonafide stability without the Bonafide flagship price. If you fish lakes, slow rivers, and protected inshore water and you paddle — not pedal — the RS117 gives you a stand-up-capable platform with real rigging options for $999. It’s also a smart pick if you’re hard on gear: rotomolded polyethylene, replaceable skid plates, and a lifetime hull warranty.
It is not for everyone. There is no pedal drive option and no motor mount, so if you want hands-free propulsion, look at the Bonafide P127 instead. And at 77 pounds fully rigged, it is not a lightweight — you will want a cart or a trailer for longer carries.
Hybrid Cat hull
The Hybrid Cat is the whole story here. It is the same catamaran-style hull design Bonafide uses on the SS series: twin pontoon-like running surfaces with a tunnel between them. That shape is why the RS117 feels the way it does — a little rock to it when sitting flat (the primary stability is not its strong suit), then it firms up hard as you lean. The secondary stability is outstanding. One on-water reviewer put it bluntly: “Good luck trying to flip this thing! I was leaning right out over the side and it wouldn’t budge any further.”
On Bonafide’s own performance ratings, the RS117 scores highest on flat water and slow current, middling in chop, and lowest in surf and outright speed. Translation: it is a calm-water specialist. It tracks well and paddles easier than its 33.5-inch width suggests, but this is not the hull for launching through breaking surf or covering big open-water crossings.
The Stadium Seat
The RS117 ships with Bonafide’s Stadium Seat, a wide mesh seat that moves between two positions on a Quick Connect system: low for paddling, raised for standing to cast. The breathable mesh keeps air moving on hot days, and the high position genuinely changes sight-fishing — you see more, cast farther.
The honest caveat: the seat is the most criticized part of this boat. Multiple reviewers note the padding is thin for all-day sits compared to premium framed seats. If you do marathon days, budget for a seat pad or plan on the standing breaks the raised position invites.
Stability, storage, and rigging
At 33.5 inches wide with the Hybrid Cat hull, standing to cast is realistic for most anglers — practice in shallow calm water first, like with any boat. The deck is rigged to work: two YakAttack MightyMount XL tracks (two 12-inch, one 6-inch) take rod holders, fish finder mounts, and camera arms. Two flush-mount rod holders are molded in. Up front, a DryPod gives you sealed storage, and the rear StorageWell under the Shield cover swallows a crate or tackle bag, with an integrated paddle pouch in the cover.
Smart details: the forward scupper is transducer-friendly so you can run electronics without drilling, the hull is TopRun Rudder System ready (no-drill steering add-on), and dual replaceable skid plates protect the stern when you drag it up a ramp. Oversized Fat Grip handles at bow and stern help with the car-top lift.
What other reviewers say
I’m not the only one who has been impressed by how much boat you get for the money:
“This kayak lives up to the Bonafide reputation for quality and stability without breaking the bank for most anglers.” — PaddlingSpace (8.4/10 expert score)
“Good luck trying to flip this thing! I was leaning right out over the side and it wouldn’t budge any further.” — In4Adventure, after an hour of on-water testing
Honest drawbacks
Let’s be straight about the trade-offs. First, weight: 65 pounds is the bare hull, but 77 pounds with the seat is what you actually carry — that is a two-trip or cart job for most people. Second, the seat padding is thin for true all-day comfort, as noted above. Third, this is a paddle-only boat with no pedal or motor path; if your needs change later, you are buying a different kayak. Fourth, speed and surf are the weak points — wide and stable means slow, and Bonafide rates it lowest for surf. Finally, taller paddlers (over about 6’1”) report a cramped leg position.
Bonafide RS117 specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 11 ft 7 in |
| Width | 33.5 in |
| Hull weight | 65 lb |
| Weight with seat | 77 lb |
| Weight capacity | 425 lb |
| Propulsion | Paddle (no pedal or motor option) |
| Hull | Hybrid Cat, rotomolded polyethylene |
| Seat | Stadium Seat, two-position Quick Connect |
| Rod holders | 2 flush-mount |
| Accessory tracks | YakAttack MightyMount XL (2×12 in, 1×6 in) |
| Colors | Top Gun Grey, Camo, Steel |
| Price | $999 |
Frequently asked questions
Bonafide RS117 Fishing Kayak FAQ
Is the Bonafide RS117 stable enough to stand in?
Yes, for most anglers. The Hybrid Cat hull’s secondary stability is excellent — it firms up hard when leaned. Practice in shallow, calm water first, as with any boat.
How much does the Bonafide RS117 weigh?
65 lb as a bare hull, 72 lb without the seat, 77 lb fully rigged with the Stadium Seat installed. Plan on a cart for longer carries.
Can you put a motor on the Bonafide RS117?
No. Bonafide builds it as a paddle-only kayak with no motor mount or rating. The hull is TopRun Rudder System ready, but that is steering, not propulsion. If you want motor-ready, look at the Bonafide PWR129.
What is the weight capacity of the RS117?
425 lb total — that covers you, the seat, paddle, PFD, tackle, and all gear combined, not cargo alone. Leave margin under the limit for the best handling.
What is the difference between the RS117 and the SS127?
Same Hybrid Cat hull concept, different price and trim. The SS127 costs roughly twice as much and adds premium seating, more refined outfitting, and Bonafide’s flagship finish. The RS117 is the value play: core stability and fishability for $999.
Does the RS117 come with a paddle?
No. A paddle is sold separately, so budget for one. The Shield StorageWell cover includes an integrated paddle pouch for stowing it.
Where to Buy
If the Bonafide RS117 sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Bonafide website for the Bonafide RS117.
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. Also check out our reviews of the Bonafide SS127 and the Bonafide PWR129.
