Bonafide RS117 Fishing Kayak

The Bonafide RS117 Fishing Kayak is an 11 ft 7 in (3.53 m) sit-on-top paddle kayak built around Bonafide’s Hybrid Cat hull, the same catamaran-style hull design used on Bonafide’s SS series, intended to balance stability with paddling performance. At 33.5 in (85 cm) wide, the RS117 carries a published weight capacity of 425 lbs (192.8 kg) and is designed for lake, river, inshore, and offshore fishing.

The RS117 ships with Bonafide’s Stadium Seat, which adjusts between two height positions, mounted over a rear StorageWell with a Shield cover that has an integrated paddle pouch. Two flush-mount rod holders and a DryPod integrated storage compartment are built into the deck, and two YakAttack MightyMount XL accessory tracks (two 12 in tracks and one 6 in track) run along the deck for mounting rod holders, electronics, and other YakAttack-compatible gear.

The hull is rotomolded polyethylene and is TopRun Rudder System ready for anglers who want to add steering as an accessory. Oversized Fat Grip bow and stern handles and dual replaceable skid plates at the stern round out the rigging for launching and beaching. The RS117 is available in Top Gun Grey, Camo, and Steel.

Bonafide RS117 Kayak Specs

Length: 11 ft 7 in (3.53 m) Width: 33.5 in (85 cm) Hull Weight: 65 lbs (29.5 kg) Weight without Seat: 72 lbs (32.7 kg) Weight with Seat: 77 lbs (34.9 kg) Weight Capacity: 425 lbs (192.8 kg) Deck Height: 13 in (33 cm) Hull Material: Rotomolded Polyethylene

RS117 Fishing Kayak Features

• Hybrid Cat Hull: A 33.5 in wide catamaran-style hull built for stability and paddling performance across lake, river, inshore, and offshore water.
• Stadium Seat: Adjusts between two height positions for switching between paddling and standing to cast.
• YakAttack MightyMount XL Tracks: Two 12 in tracks and one 6 in track for mounting rod holders, electronics, and other YakAttack-compatible accessories.
• Shield StorageWell Cover: Covers the rear storage well and includes an integrated paddle pouch.
• Flush Mount Rod Holders: Two rod holders built into the deck.
• DryPod Storage: Integrated dry storage compartment built into the deck.
• TopRun Rudder System Ready: The hull is pre-configured to accept Bonafide’s TopRun rudder system as an add-on.
• Fat Grip Handles: Oversized bow and stern carry handles.
• Replaceable Skid Plates: Dual skid plates at the stern protect the hull during launching and beaching.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bonafide RS117

Who is the Bonafide RS117 built for?

The Bonafide RS117 is a paddle-only, sit-on-top kayak built for lake, river, inshore, and offshore fishing. There is no pedal drive or motor mount on this hull; propulsion is by paddle, and the hull is TopRun Rudder System ready if you want to add steering. Bonafide’s own performance ratings put the RS117 lowest for surf conditions, so it is not the hull to pick if launching through breaking surf is part of your plan; flat water, lakes, and easy to moderate current are where it is rated highest.

How does the Bonafide RS117 paddle and track?

The Bonafide RS117 uses Bonafide’s Hybrid Cat hull, the same catamaran-style design as the SS series, which Bonafide describes as balancing stability with paddling performance rather than favoring one over the other. On Bonafide’s own performance ratings, the RS117 scores highest for flat water and slow current, moderate for choppy water, and lowest for surf and outright speed. That profile fits calm to moderate lake, river, and protected inshore paddling better than open ocean crossings or big surf.

How stable is the Bonafide RS117 for standing and casting?

The Bonafide RS117’s Hybrid Cat hull is 33.5 in wide, and the Stadium Seat’s Quick Connect system lets you switch between a low paddling position and a raised position for casting. How stable it feels while standing still depends on your own balance, how the kayak is loaded, and water conditions, so treat the hull width and seat design as what the RS117 gives you to work with rather than a guarantee against tipping. Try standing in shallow, calm water close to shore first. Bonafide does not publish a separate standing-specific stability rating for the RS117.

What does the Bonafide RS117’s 425-pound capacity include?

The Bonafide RS117 has a published weight capacity of 425 lbs (192.8 kg). That figure covers everything aboard: your own body weight, the seat, a paddle, your PFD and safety gear, tackle, and any cooler or additional gear you load. It is not a figure for cargo alone. Add up what you actually plan to carry and leave margin under 425 lbs; a hull loaded close to its limit sits deeper and handles differently than one loaded lightly.

What comes with the Bonafide RS117, and what do I need to buy separately?

The Bonafide RS117 ships as a complete hull with its Stadium Seat, DryPod storage, two flush-mount rod holders, Shield StorageWell cover, and YakAttack MightyMount XL tracks all built in. A paddle is not included; Bonafide lists paddles separately in its accessories, so plan to add one. The RS117 is available in three colorways, Top Gun Grey, Camo, and Steel, all built on the same hull with identical rigging, so the choice between them is purely cosmetic.

What seat does the Bonafide RS117 use, and can it be adjusted?

The Bonafide RS117 comes with Bonafide’s Stadium Seat, built with double layer breathable mesh for airflow and extra width for comfort. Its Quick Connect positioning system moves the seat between a low position for paddling and a raised position for standing to cast, and Bonafide describes it as lightweight and easy to adjust. Bonafide does not publish a separate seat model or upgrade option for the RS117, so the Stadium Seat is what ships with every colorway.

Is the Bonafide RS117 motor ready or Power-Pole ready?

The Bonafide RS117 is built as a paddle kayak. Bonafide states the hull is TopRun Rudder System ready, meaning it accepts a no-drill rudder installation, but that is steering, not propulsion. Bonafide does not publish motor mounting points or a motor rating for the RS117, and Power-Pole readiness is not stated for this hull either. If motorizing or adding a shallow-water anchor is part of your plan, ask us before you buy; the Bonafide XTR130 is purpose-built for motor mounting if that is what you need.

Can I mount a fish finder or transducer on the Bonafide RS117?

Bonafide describes the RS117’s forward scupper as transducer friendly, so running a transducer through the hull is possible without drilling. Beyond that, Bonafide does not publish a dedicated electronics console or specific fish-finder mounting points for this model. The two YakAttack MightyMount XL tracks on deck (two 12 in tracks and one 6 in track) can take a compatible fish-finder mount or accessory arm. The fish finder, transducer, and battery are all separate purchases.

What storage and rigging does the Bonafide RS117 have?

The Bonafide RS117 has two YakAttack MightyMount XL accessory tracks (two 12 in tracks and one 6 in track) for mounting rod holders, electronics, or other YakAttack-compatible gear, plus two flush-mount rod holders built into the deck. Storage includes a DryPod compartment built into the deck and a rear StorageWell with a Shield cover that has an integrated paddle pouch. Bonafide does not publish interior dimensions for either compartment; contact us for exact measurements before you buy specific gear.

How should the Bonafide RS117 be transported and stored?

The Bonafide RS117 weighs 65 lbs as a bare hull, 72 lbs without the seat installed, or 77 lbs fully rigged with the seat. Oversized FatGrip handles at the bow and stern are built in to help with car-topping and carrying. Bonafide’s warranty excludes damage from improper storage or transportation and from ratchet straps specifically, so use cam straps instead and confirm your rack and vehicle are rated for the kayak’s weight and length before loading it.

What is the warranty on the Bonafide RS117?

Bonafide backs the RS117’s hull with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original retail purchaser, plus 5 years against normal wear and tear. Components other than the hull are covered for 1 year from the purchase date. Coverage requires registering the kayak with Bonafide within 14 days of purchase and is non-transferable to a later owner. Full terms are on Bonafide’s warranty page.

Still have questions? Message our Chat, call us at 844-987-5777 or email [email protected]. Shipping, delivery and other questions can be answered on our FAQs page.

Your Satisfaction with Bonafide is Guaranteed:

• The RS117’s hull carries a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original retail purchaser.
• The hull is additionally covered for 5 years against normal wear and tear.
• Components other than the hull are covered for 1 year from the date of purchase.
• Coverage requires registering your kayak with Bonafide within 14 days of purchase.