Head-to-head · Best Fishing Kayaks

Bonafide RVR vs Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Bonafide RVR and Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #3 in Best Fishing Kayaks

Bonafide RVR

4.5

4 sourcesall derived$1,649as of Oct 2

The Bonafide RVR features a modified pontoon-style hull with significant rocker and upswept ends, designed to run over rocks in swift currents while maintaining primary stability. Kayak Angler found that the open cockpit design angles sharply toward the seat for rapid self-bailing through large scuppers, though this lack of internal watertight hatches limits dry storage capacity. The adjustable HiRise seat frame slides fore and aft to balance weight distribution when adding a motor or paddling efficiently. At 85 pounds with factory-installed parts, it is heavier than some competitors but supports a 425-pound capacity for serious river anglers who prioritize maneuverability over gear protection.

Strengths

— Modified pontoon-style hull with significant rocker and upswept bow/stern designed to run over rocks and handle swift river currents.
— Open cockpit design with angled deck channels that drain water quickly through large scuppers for rapid self-bailing in rapids.
— Adjustable HiRise seat frame slides fore and aft to balance weight distribution when adding a motor or paddling efficiently.

Watch-outs

— Lacks internal watertight hatches as the hull is open from bow to stern, limiting dry storage capacity compared to decked kayaks.
— Factory weight of 85 lbs (with installed parts) makes it heavier than some competitors that list only shot weights.

$1,649 · Buy at ecofishingshop.com Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Fishing Kayaks

Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII

4.5

5 sourcesall derived$879.99as of Oct 2

Kayak Angler found that the Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII successfully merges standup paddleboard convenience with kayak fishability, offering a lightweight hybrid platform for under $1,000. greatoutthere.online highlighted its thermoformed polyethylene hull as a major advantage, noting that it allows anglers to easily transport and cartop the boat without a trailer. While paddling.com reviews noted that the HyDryve II pedal system lacks the crisp feel of premium competitors, they praised its shallow-water capability due to folding fins. This model is best suited for beginner anglers or those seeking an affordable grab-and-go vessel for sheltered waters rather than serious offshore expeditions.

Strengths

— Thermoformed construction makes it significantly lighter (59 lbs) than traditional rotomolded kayaks, allowing for easy solo cartopping and storage.
— Hybrid design features a wide catamaran hull that provides high stability suitable for both seated fishing and standing up on the deck.
— Includes an efficient HyDryve II fin pedal drive system paired with a hand-controlled rudder for hands-free propulsion and maneuvering.

Watch-outs

— Thermoformed plastic hulls are more difficult to repair than rotomolded alternatives if they sustain significant impact damage.
— The pedal drive system is not as crisp or precise in steering response compared to higher-end competitor systems like the Hobie Mirage Drive.

$879.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Bonafide RVR

The Bonafide RVR is specifically engineered for swift river currents and rock navigation, unlike the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 which prioritizes open-water GPS positioning. While it offers a higher weight capacity than the Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII, its 85-pound factory weight makes it significantly heavier to transport than that thermoformed competitor.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Bonafide RVR	Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII
Length	11 ft 9 in	10’6”
Width	35 in	33”
Weight	85 lb	59 lb
Capacity	425 lb	300 lbs

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