{"id":3209,"date":"2021-03-10T00:50:30","date_gmt":"2021-03-10T00:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/?p=3209"},"modified":"2023-05-22T21:14:10","modified_gmt":"2023-05-22T21:14:10","slug":"bonafide-ss127-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/bonafide-ss127-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Bonafide SS127 (Updated 2023 Review) \u2212 An Amazingly Stable Kayak"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ask any kayak angler and they\u2019ll tell you the most important feature is stability. It\u2019s hard to have fun on the water if you\u2019re constantly afraid of capsizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After using this boat for a year, I must say I am very impressed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this Bonafide SS127 review<\/strong>, we\u2019ll take a look at what I loved most about this fishing kayak, and what could be improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Spoiler alert: <\/strong>The Bonafide SS127 is one of the most stable kayaks for big and tall guys. If you want to stand and cast without feeling unstable, then the SS127 is hard to beat. It also has great fishing features and amazing storage space. The only downside is it\u2019s almost always out of stock.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get Best Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bonafide SS127 Fishing Kayak<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Like the majority of fishing boats, the Bonafide SS127 is a sit-on-top kayak<\/strong>. This gives the boat a big, open cockpit that has plenty of room<\/strong>. It\u2019s an easy boat to get in and out of. This combined with the rock-solid stability should make it appealing to any paddlers that are worried about capsizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But sit-on-top kayaks offer minimal protection from the elements<\/strong> since your entire body is exposed. If you live in a cold or rainy environment, make sure that you\u2019re outfitted with waterproof clothing and be prepared to get a little wet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this doesn\u2019t sound appealing to you, you may want to go with a sit-in kayak<\/strong> instead like the Tsunami 125<\/a>. 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 you\u2019re wearing a spray skirt to cover the top of the cockpit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At almost 13-feet long and nearing 100 pounds, the Bonafide SS127 is on the heavy side for a fishing kayak<\/strong>. Make sure you have the space to store a boat of this design, preferably in a climate-controlled area, although a covered shed will also do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bonafide SS127 probably won\u2019t fit in the bed of smaller trucks<\/strong>. Plan on investing in a sizable kayak rack and the proper straps so that you can safely get your Bonafide kayak to the water. Another option would be to buy a kayak trailer that you can pull behind your car,<\/strong> though this gives you another item that needs to be stored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonafide Kayak SS127 Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Length<\/strong>: 12 ft 7\u202fin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Width<\/strong>: 33.75 in <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/strong>: 94 lb (with seat)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Load Capacity<\/strong>: 475 lb<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonafide Kayak SS127 Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Material<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Like the majority of fishing kayaks, the Bonafide SS127 is made of tough and rigid plastic known as polyethylene<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost impossible to damage<\/strong> and built to last for years with minimal maintenance<\/strong>, this material will keep you floating for years with little upkeep. The one drawback is that plastic is noticeably heavier than competing (albeit more expensive) materials like fiberglass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because it\u2019s such a stable kayak, the Bonafide SS127\u202fis unfortunately very slow<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you paddle against the wind<\/strong>, you\u2019ll sometimes find yourself paddling at a measly 1.5 mph<\/strong>\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In good weather<\/strong>, you might go up to a 2.5 mph cruising speed,<\/strong> but that\u2019s still very slow if you intend to cover any distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re the kind of angler who won\u2019t cover more than a few miles per day, then the Bonafide SS127\u202fis fast enough. But for long distances, I definitely prefer the Sea Ghost 130 <\/strong>or a pedal kayak like the Sportsman 120 PDL<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maneuverability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the Bonafide SS127 has pretty good maneuverability for open water<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m able to turn quite easily, but it\u2019s not a short kayak so taking it on class 2 rivers will definitely not be a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like most fishing kayaks, the Bonafide SS127 offers a padded and ergonomic chair<\/strong> to spend hours on the water while staying comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The backrest is awesome<\/strong>, and the seat has low and high sitting positions<\/strong> so you can switch between an optimal paddling position and a fishing\/standing position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As expected from a high-end fishing kayak, the seat can also be adjusted forward and back<\/strong> so you can get better tracking or maneuverability depending on where you sit. This is particularly important when switching between rivers and open water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, for big guys the poles on the sides are very uncomfortable<\/strong>. After a few hours on the water you\u2019ll definitely be hurting. Therefore I\u2019d recommend getting a $10 cushion <\/strong>which will make it infinitely better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Footpegs are also easy to adjust and comfortable even for tall guys over 6″2′.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stability & Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Here the Bonafide SS127 shines above the competition. It\u2019s made so that big guys can stand and cast <\/strong>without feeling unstable, even if you weigh 300 lb<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even in huge waves and wind, I\u2019ve never felt like I was going to tip over<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love the open cockpit <\/strong>that gives you plenty of room to stand,<\/strong> walk around and put some stuff in there for easy access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding tracking, I\u202fmust say I was unimpressed<\/strong>. While it performs OK in calm weather, it gets really easily pushed around by the wind<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s often the case that when I\u2019m fishing in a spot the wind will make me do a 360<\/strong>\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonafide talks about the “Hybrid Catamaran” design of the hull with a pronounced keel that\u2019s supposed to help with tracking, but honestly it doesn\u2019t seem to work all that much\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, it\u2019s enough of a problem that Bonafide decided to make flexwings t<\/strong>hat they sell separately for the kayak. And it does make a huge difference in tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The polyethylene hull design should be more than capable of protecting you from the majority of bumps and collisions<\/strong>. I\u2019d be amazed if you managed to punch a hole in it during normal use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A skid plate has been placed on the hull <\/strong>so if you have to drag it, this will help minimize any peeling or scratching of the polyethylene. It is a heavy boat, so if you\u2019re a solo paddler that doesn\u2019t have any help available, this is a useful feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For storage, keep your boat under cover and out of direct sunlight<\/strong>. Over time, it\u2019s possible for extended exposure to UV to cause the plastic to warp, weaken, or bend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portability<\/h3>\n\n\n
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That tough hybrid catamaran hull design does make the Bonafide SS127 a little heavy. <\/strong>With the seat, the boat weighs 94 pounds<\/strong>, and while the skid plate does help with drags, I still wouldn\u2019t want to drag it long distances. Consider investing in a small kayak trailer to get it from the parking lot to the water\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For tandem carries the SS127 comes with easy to grip carry handles <\/strong>on the bow and stern that are designed to prevent you from banging your knuckles<\/strong> against the hull. An additional carry handle can be found along the side so that three-person carries are possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always carry your kayak empty. Overloading your boat can cause the keel to bend or \u201cwarp\u201d over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonafide SS127 Kayak Fishing Ease<\/h2>\n\n\n
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With gear tracks on both sides at the front and back, you can easily mount all your electronics and fishing gadgets. Fishfinder<\/strong>, extra rod holder, camera, you name it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like the handy “junk drawer” under the seat<\/strong> that can slide in and out<\/strong> so you can put your pilers, line, lures and anything else in there for easy access on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding storage, you can a huge dry hatch <\/strong>at the front which gives you access to the hull. The<\/strong> really cool thing about the hatch is it can be opened on both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means you can put an extra paddle, extra rods, or even tons of camping gear in there \u2212 plus any gear that you want to access while on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For camping trips, this hull storage is really amazing<\/strong>. Also, I often find myself putting my lunch in there for tournaments, a waterproof jacket and pants just in case, some extra lures, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the back, you get a huge tankwell storage area<\/strong> that can fit a milk crate<\/strong> or black pack with some rod holders, as well as a medium-sized cooler<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is great considering the boat has no vertical rod holders<\/strong>, so you\u2019ll definitely need to put some at the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking about rod holders, the Bonafide SS127\u202fdoes have horizontal storage<\/strong>. For one, you can put four rods at your feet<\/strong> thanks to the indentation in the junk drawer and the dry hatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, you also have extra horizontal rod storage on the sides<\/strong> that\u2019s really amazing for rivers <\/strong>where you could easily lose your rods due to tree branches if they\u2019re in a vertical position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like the awesome watertight hatch in front of the seat <\/strong>where you can put your phone<\/strong>, batteries<\/strong>, car keys, and anything else. It never gets any water in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As expected from a high-end fishing kayak, the cockpit has foam decking to avoid slipping<\/strong> when standing, and also to dampen the noise <\/strong>in case something falls. This is very important to avoid spooking the fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also get a convenient paddle strap <\/strong>in the front to secure your paddle while fishing while still having it at hand if you need to avoid an obstacle all of a sudden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, my only quibble<\/strong> with the Bonafide SS127\u202fis that it has no option for a pedal drive<\/strong>, unlike the Jackson Kilroy HD<\/a>. I would love it if they made a pedal drive that would fit where the removable dry pod is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonafide Kayak SS127 Value<\/h2>\n\n\n
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While the Bonafide SS127 is not cheap, you definitely get what you pay for<\/strong>. While all the custom features are great, it\u2019s the boat\u2019s fantastic stability that makes it stand out<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For big and tall guys<\/strong>, the Bonafide SS127 is one of the most comfortable and most stable fishing kayaks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve found yourself feeling unstable when standing in other kayaks, then the SS127 is a great solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this price point, you also get a ton of fishing features<\/strong> that simply aren\u2019t on cheaper kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only downside is it tends to get out of stock very quickly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get Best Deal<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bonafide Kayak SS127 Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bonafide RS117<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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A little shorter and lighter than the bigger Bonafide SS127<\/strong>, these two boats share a lot of the same features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find the same gear track system as well as the transducer mount for your fishfinder<\/strong>. The seat can be raised and lowered and it\u2019s another boat you feel comfortable standing up in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The smaller size makes it a little dicier for bigger water<\/strong>, but it also comes at a lower price tag and can be easier to transport and store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n