RS117

I have owned this kayak for around a month and have been on it several times. Probably paddled it 10-15 miles in total. It's not fast, but paddles decent and tracks as expected. I got the optional "flexwings" with the kayak (they're around $30). They help keep the kayak tracking straight. I'd like to have a rudder as well when one becomes available. I don't think that there is an available rudder kit at this moment. The kayak is fairly heavy and I drive a 4Runner, so it's not "easy" to get on top of the truck, but it's not bad at all, and the biggest thing is to watch videos on how to do it correctly, practice and set up your roof racks correctly. The kayak is really stable. In the past I have owned a couple of Old Town Loons (138s). I am enjoying the SOT, and the kayak came nicely equipped. It's a good idea to take the cover off the front of the kayak when transporting, although I didn't take it off once when traveling around 30 miles and it was still there. I've modified a super cheap kayak cart to help move it around. I really like the waterproof compartment. I typically keep snacks there. I keep my keys, wallet, etc in a dry bag. The kayak takes boat wakes really well and I purposefully took the kayak down to the lake during a holiday weekend to gain some experience with how the kayak takes wakes. I plunged into the wakes in every way I could think of and at every angle, and they never upset my boat at all. I had one HUGE wake that I took on directly (for giggles) and a wave came over the bow which pushed a significant amount of water into the kayak and it perfectly drained out within a few seconds, and went off without a glitch. I've never felt the slightest bit unconfident about how this boat handles paddling, waves, wake, etc. It's super confidence inspiring and it would be more than appropriate for a beginner. I'm 60 years old and 190 lbs, and I could easily load this baby up with weight and still be confident in it. Seat is comfortable for hours at the time and you can stand to vary your position and stretch your legs if you want. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the cup holder. It's too big for my coffee cups (yeti type) and my water bottles, so they tend to flop around and I actually lost a water bottle at one point. I'm looking at other solutions (maybe a different coffee mug and water bottle that have a lower center of gravity and are shorter/fatter. All told the kayak is a 95%+. The price has gone up a bit to $1,099. It's worth it.

I do like this kayak but it's still an adjustment going from a 14' sit inside to this. I guess with all sit on tops they will be slower and more prone to be pushed by wind and waves. This boat is well built, American made, the grab handles on the front and back are very well designed, the paddle holders work well, very stable to stand up in, I like the replaceable keel guards, the price was just right, it looks great, plenty of easily accessible storage in front and back and small places for little plano boxes, 2 cup holders and 2 rod holders are nice to have. The seat is fairly comfortable. I also like the dry pod for keys wallet or fish finder / transducer. Not all boats in this price range will have the dry pod and adjustable foot pegs. On the negative side I wish scupper plugs were included although that is minor and I know many kayaks don't seem to include them. I wish there were additional tracks along the back side instead of just the front which is disappointing since Bonafide I believe was created by the owner / founder? of Yak attack. Lastly, the weight is quite a bit more than my touring kayak was and it's not the easiest thing to load this on my pick up truck. On the downside

The Bonafide RS117 is very well built. The stability is excellent. The layout is simple and effective, I love the built-in paddle holder and cup holder.