Kayaks are used for various purposes, from usual roaming to relaxation and fishing. However, when it comes to fishing, there are hardly any kayaks that can beat the kayaks manufactured by Vibe and Bonafide. These two kayak brands started producing top-class fishing kayaks less than ten years ago.
Still, they have made a massive impact in the fishing kayak industry by producing excellent kayaks. But sometimes, people get confused about which one to buy, as there are varieties of kayaks from these two brands. Hopefully, to reduce this confusion, the comparison of Vibe Shearwater 125 vs Bonafide SS127 will come in great assist.
Differences Between the Key Features of Vibe Shearwater 125 and Bonafide SS127
These are two of the best kayaks in the area of fishing kayaks with both specs and performance. Both the kayaks have some key features of their own, which are sometimes the same and sometimes different from each other.
The main difference between Vibe Shearwater 125 vs Bonafide SS127
| Content | Vibe Shearwater 125 | Bonafide SS127 |
| Structure | Rigid or Hard | Rigid or Hard |
| Built Material | Rotomolded single piece high-density polyethylene | Rotomolded single piece high-density polyethylene |
| Kayak Type | Sit on Top, Fishing, Recreational | Sit on Top, Fishing, Recreational |
| Number of Paddlers | Solo | Solo |
| Propulsion | Paddle, Pedal, Motor | Paddle |
| Intended Waterway | Lakes, Ponds & Inshore, Rivers & Creeks, Open Water & Ocean | Lakes, Ponds & Inshore, Open Water & Ocean |
| Width | 35″ / 88.9 cm | 33.75″ / 85.72 cm |
| Weight | 77 lb. / 34.9 kg | 94 lb. / 42.63 kg |
| Length | 12′ 6″ / 381 cm | 12′ 7″ / 383.5 cm |
| Deck Height | 15.5″ / 39.37 cm | 15.5″ / 39.37 cm |
| Capacity | 475 lb. / 215.2 kg | 475 lb. / 215.2 kg |
| Hull Shape | Multi-Hull | Multi-Hull |
| Seat | Optional four-position high-low seat with 8 inches of seat trimming for comfortable weight displacement | Adjustable, High-Low Seat |
| Storage | Open deck with large, padded standing area | Bow Hatch, Stern Tankwell, Cockpit Console |
| Fishfinder Pod | A removable, watertight fish finder pod with a transducer mount near the seat | A removable, watertight fish finder pod |
Vibe Shearwater 125 vs Bonafide SS127 – In-Detail Comparison
After gathering the necessary knowledge about the key features of these two fishing kayaks, now it’s time to dive deep into their detailed comparison:
Vibe Shearwater 125
This Vibe Shearwater 125 is known for the speed and stability it provides while sailing along the water. It is a top-choice fishing kayak that can carry a huge amount of weight along with the seating capability of one person.
Basic Features
It comes with the combination of Vibe X-Drive pedal system, Bixby Jet motor, and Vibe Evolve paddle, which provide speed on every water surface. Moreover, it is long and wide enough to carry a person along with the fish caught by that person. It became possible because of its immense capacity of 475 lb. / 215.2 kg.
Comfort
This fantastic fishing kayak here has the addition of an Optional four-position high-low seat with 8 inches of seat trimming. You will have enough place to rest your legs by spreading them comfortably while paddling. The hand-steering rudder control system will make the kayaking process even easier for you.
It also has premium non-slick deck padding and two molded-in, heavy-payload rear handles.
Ease of Fishing
Fishing will become easier than ever before when you go fishing with this specialized kayak. During the fishing period, the Vibe Free flow Rudder Control padded foot braces will come in great assistance for you. In addition, four flush mount fishing rod holders and four integrated top-loading gear tracks are there for more support.
Along with all these, four horizontal fishing rod holders with rod tip protectors are also added to this kayak. A removable fish finder pod is present in this kayak just for fishing assistance. Moreover, it is sealed with the built-in transducer mount for that fish finder pod’s safety, security, and durability.
Pros:
- Availability of paddle, pedal, and motor propulsion
- Full of fish rod holders for enhanced fishing capability
- Non-slick deck padding along with molded-in, heavy-payload rear handles
- The skid plate present in the hull is replaceable
- Optional four-position high-low seat with 8 inches of seat trimming
Cons:
- A bit smaller than the Bonafide SS127 in length
Bonafide SS127
The next kayak we have is the Bonafide SS127, and it is also a fishing-specialist kayak that you can use. Height, weight, length, deck height, and capacity are all perfect for becoming your ideal fishing companion.
Basic Features
This fishing-friendly Bonafide SS127 is 1 inch longer than the previous one. But it is a bit narrow and heavier than the Vibe Shearwater, with the identical deck height and weight capacity. Also, compared to the previous kayak, it only has paddle propulsion, while we had pedal and motor propulsion in the Vibe.
Comfort
There aren’t many kayaks available to beat this one if you talk about comfort. It comes with an adjustable high-low seat with a backrest facility. Along with storage, the bow hatch, stern tankwell, cockpit console will ensure comfortable sitting and enough leg-rest space.
Ease of Fishing
It is also full of fishing-friendly features to assist you in the lakes, ponds & inshore, open water & ocean. A skid plate placed on the hull will help you cruise along these water surfaces quite easily. Though it has multiple rod holders, it is way fewer than the Vibe Shearwater 125.
The addition of the “Yak-Attack” gear track mounting system has made it a tough competitor for the Vibe kayak we have here.
Pros:
- The adjustable high-low seat with backrest facility
- Bow hatch, stern tankwell, cockpit console for enhanced storage
- A skid plate is placed on the hull
- Multiple rod holders
- The “Yak-Attack” gear track mounting system
Cons:
- A bit heavy even after being narrow than the Shearwater 125
- Single paddle propulsion
Vibe Shearwater 125 and Bonafide SS127 – The One to Choose
Both the Vibe Shearwater 125 and Bonafide SS127 are best in their own way of fishing assistance. However, the Bonafide SS127 has great fishing-friendly features with all the proper basic kayak features. In addition, you will get top-notch comfort from this kayak through the seat, leg space, and storage.
But the Vibe Shearwater 125 is one step ahead of the Bonafide SS127 in every sector. Some features are only available in SS127, but the Shearwater 125 has more feature collections. Comfort and ease of fishing are highly ensured in this excellent kayak, which makes it the one to go for.
Final Thoughts
These Vibe Shearwater and Bonafide SS127 kayaks are specialized for the fishing sector. With the basic and advanced features, you will get excellent service from both of these kayaks. But if you compare Vibe Shearwater 125 vs Bonafide SS127, the first one will be slightly ahead of the latter.
It is the best kayak for a solo person fishing around the open or closed water areas. But that doesn’t clarify that you shouldn’t buy the Bonafide SS127 as it also has a collection of some fantastic features. So, you can go for it if it suits your budget range and requirements.