Well it’s been a little over a week since my first ICAST, and to say it was a great experience is an understatement. Thanks to my Westbrook family, I was able to experience one of the biggest fishing events that happens each year (minus last year due to COVID). Walking around and seeing all the companies and their new products was something special and worth the experience.

Now let’s get to the surprise announcement by Bonafide Kayaks at ICAST: The New P127 Pedal Drive Kayak!

Yes, you read that right…Bonafide has come out with a pedal drive kayak! It’s been a long time coming and the request by many has been answered. I think the kayak industry was a little shocked due to statements saying that a pedal drive kayak was not in future plans. However, it’s here and I had the opportunity to see the P127 up close and gather my first impressions on the kayak.

The first thing I noticed about the P127 is how Bonafide kept a similar body design to the SS127. If you are familiar with the SS127, you know the versatility of the kayak and it’s many features. Now, think about dropping the Propel Drive smack-dab in the middle! Yep, the P127 just became the new ultimate fishability kayak with the options for Pedal, Power and Paddle(which I still love to do). As far as power, you have the ability to utilize the bow and stern mounting plates for either a MotorGuide Xi3 or Torqeedo. Like I mentioned earlier you can paddle if you choose not to pedal or use power.

Of course when you add something new, some changes have to occur in order to produce the best product. The P127 is definitely similar to the SS127, but there are some noticeable differences with the addition of the pedal drive. From the bow, you have the mounting plate for either a motor or front power pole. The hatch maybe a little shorter however, the storage bin is deep enough to possibly fit a 54ah Dakota Lithium battery for your electronics. Also there is still plenty of room inside to place rods, a power pole or whatever you want inside the kayak. From there, Bonafide added a transducer slot where the transducer can fit comfortably below the kayak and the wiring can slide through avoiding any damage. Above that, you can see where the drive will sit and lock into place. Moving on down into the deck area, you can see some similarities between the P127 and the SS127 with the amount of space for standing and operating while fishing. Finishing up around the bow and deck area are the additions of rod tip covers for staging and protecting rods.

Getting into the seating and stern areas, notable upgrades were integrated into the P127. The Hi Rise XL Width seat is new this year and was created to allow the angler to feel comfortable while pedaling. The seat will sit on two gear tracks for sliding forward and backwards. I know in my case the seat will probably sit a lot closer in order for me to reach the pedals..haha But I definitely believe someone on the tall side will feel just as comfortable with the amount of space on deck! On the seat, you have QuickDraw rod stagers which is a new addition. Below the seat, you have the ability to store an extra tackle box or two if needed. Also, did I forget to mention..(YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE PREVIOUS HI-RISE SEAT).

Moving to the stern, the tank well on the P127 appears to be somewhat smaller but still able to store YakAttack BlackPak or whatever fishing crate you use. Now with that, you may find it difficult to house a 100ah battery along with a crate if you were thinking about powering a trolling motor (again this is just a first impressions review). There also are two built in rod holders on each side of the tank well. Then behind the tankwell is the rudder control system for steering, and from my understanding this is a new system called the Spring Blade Rudder System. This new rudder is durable and if it were to bump something in the water like a log or rock, it will kick up.

Overall, this kayak seems to be well thought out and accommodates the angler in multiple ways. With its roots coming from the SS127, I don’t think there will be an issue with stability. The upgraded rudder system will allow this kayak to track better in the water. Also with Bonafide utilizing the Propel Pedal Drive system, just put this kayak at the top of the competition and is a must have going into the fall season. Specific details on the P127 can be found on the Bonafide website https://bonafidekayaks.com . If you’re thinking about purchasing the P127, reach out to Westbrook Supply Co and contact Fletch Griffin for ordering details.

-LilManBigFish-

“Fear only leads to future disappointments”