Bonafide PWR129

Bonafide PWR129: a fishing kayak built for a motor

Bonafide PWR129 is a 389 cm long, 89 cm wide sit-on-top fishing kayak whose hull is designed for efficient travel with an electric motor. It paddles well, and you can fit a motor, fish finder and other electronics without drilling. Made in the USA.

Key advantages of the Bonafide PWR129

✓ Hybrid catamaran hull a stable platform for fishing standing up and in waves

✓ Foot-operated Springblade rudder – lowers when you paddle, lifts in the shallows

✓ Motor mounts at the stern and centre – a bow motor is also possible with a separate kit

✓ 5 PowerLink ports – 2 at the front, 2 by the seat, 1 at the rear, all with sealed plates

✓ High Rise seat and a 41 x 46 cm drawer under it – a high position for casting, lures at hand

✓ 53 x 64 cm rear well – fits a large BlackPak crate, a cooler bag or a battery

✓ Large front hatch – about 114 L of internal storage

✓ 10 Gear Track rails, 325 cm in total – and 26 additional mounting points for accessories

✓ 56 x 76 cm standing zone – 3 paddle holders, 2 rod holders and room for a measuring board

Bonafide PWR129 design and equipment

A stable hybrid catamaran hull
The underside of the hull is shaped as a hybrid catamaran, so the kayak sits steadily and doesn't rock when you get in or cast standing up. This hull works in river current and in waves on open water.

Foot-operated Springblade rudder
The rudder is operated with your feet, so your hands stay free for the rod. The Springblade blade lowers when you need to go straight or steer in the wind, and lifts in the shallows.

Electronics without drilling: 5 PowerLink ports
The PowerLink ports are closed with sealed plates that can be drilled for switches and cables. Two ports at the front are for the fish finder transducer, two by the seat for screens, and the fifth at the rear for the motor and lights.

Motor-ready
Motor mounts are integrated at the rear and centre, and the battery goes in the rear well. Bonafide also offers bow motor mounting kits.

High Rise seat and JunkDrawer drawer
The high seat lets you stand up quickly and sit comfortably all day. A 41 x 46 cm drawer slides in under it for lure boxes, so the most important items are always within reach without standing up.

Rear well and accessory mounting
The 53 x 64 cm rear well fits a large crate, a cooler bag or a battery. On the deck there are 10 Gear Track rails (325 cm in total), 26 additional mounting points and integrated Lock and Load bases for rod holders, an anchor or a camera. For fish finders and accessories you can mount the Bonafide Captain's Bridge crossbar.

Performance ratings (manufacturer data)

• Calm water: 8 out of 10
• Slow current: 10 out of 10
• Fast current: 10 out of 10
• Choppy water: 9 out of 10
• Surf: 9 out of 10
• Stability: 10 out of 10
• Speed: 8 out of 10
• Tracking: 10 out of 10
• Manoeuvrability: 10 out of 10
• Comfort: 9 out of 10

What does 227 kg capacity mean?

Bonafide states a maximum capacity of 227 kg. Importantly, the manufacturer includes the weight of the kayak itself: the hull weighs 35 kg, and 46 kg with the seat and installed equipment. That leaves about 181 kg for the person and gear.

• 85 kg angler and 30 kg of gear: 46 + 85 + 30 = 161 kg
• 85 kg angler and 45 kg of gear with a battery: 46 + 85 + 45 = 176 kg

As you approach 227 kg, handling gets noticeably worse, so it's worth leaving a margin. Bonafide doesn't publish an optimal load range.

Bonafide PWR129 video

Who is the Bonafide PWR129 for?

✓ For anglers who want a kayak with an electric motor and plan to motorise it right away or later

✓ For those fitting a fish finder and other electronics who don't want to drill the hull

✓ For stand-up fishing: a stable hull and a 56 x 76 cm standing zone

✓ For rivers with current and more open water, where good tracking and a rudder are needed

For storing and transporting the kayak we recommend the Bonafide kayak cover, which is also made for the PWR129.

The Bonafide PWR129 suits those who want more power, room for gear and stability when standing, and to set up the kayak their way without drilling.