You’re standing on the edge of a slow-moving river or maybe a glassy lake at dawn. You want to fish, but you don't want to feel like you’re balancing on a toothpick. That’s the exact moment you realize why the Wilderness Systems Ride 115 became a legend in the kayak fishing world. It’s a tank. Honestly, calling it a kayak almost feels like a disservice to how stable this thing actually is. It’s more of a personal floating island.
When Wilderness Systems first dropped the Ride 115, they weren't trying to make the fastest boat on the water. They were trying to solve the "I don't want to fall in while reaching for my tackle box" problem. It worked. Even years after its peak production run, you’ll see these boats all over Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, usually listed for prices that make you do a double-take. People hold onto them. They’re basically the Jeep Wranglers of the plastic boat world—rugged, slightly heavy, and capable of going almost anywhere without complaining.
The Stability Paradox: Why the Ride 115 Feels Different
Most kayaks follow a simple rule: if you want stability, you lose speed. If you want speed, you lose stability. The Wilderness Systems Ride 115 leans hard into the stability side of that equation. It features a "Pontoon-style" hull design. This isn't just marketing speak. If you look at the bottom of the boat, you’ll notice a deep channel running down the center with two distinct outer "pontoons."
This design creates incredible primary stability. You can stand up in this boat. Like, actually stand up and cast a heavy lure without your heart rate hitting 150 bpm. For a 11.5-foot boat, that’s impressive. Most shorter boats are twitchy. Not this one. However, that stability comes with a literal weight. The hull is wide. It pushes a lot of water. If you're trying to win a race against a sleek 14-foot touring kayak, you’re going to lose. Badly.
But for a fisherman? Who cares.
The Ride 115 was designed for the guy who wants to stand up, sight-cast to a redfish in the flats, or haul a massive crate of gear into a hidden cove. It’s about the platform, not the pace.
Let’s Talk About the Seat (Because Your Back Matters)
In the early days of kayak fishing, seats were basically just thin pieces of foam glued to the plastic. It was brutal. Wilderness Systems changed that with the AirPro MAX seat. Now, depending on which year of the Wilderness Systems Ride 115 you find, you might see different seat iterations. The later models with the high-low adjustable AirPro MAX are the ones you want.
🔗 Read more: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
It’s comfy. Really comfy.
You can slide the seat forward or backward to adjust the trim of the boat. If you’ve got a lot of heavy gear in the back, slide yourself forward. It keeps the nose from sticking up like a breaching whale. The mesh is breathable, which is a lifesaver in July when the humidity is at 90% and you've been on the water for six hours. Plus, the ability to raised the seat into a "high" position makes the transition from sitting to standing much easier on your knees. It's the small things.
The Reality of Transporting a 11.5-Foot Tank
Here is the part most reviews gloss over: this boat is heavy. The specs might say one thing, but once you add your rod holders, your anchor trolley, and your crate, you're lugging around a significant piece of polyethylene.
Don't try to shoulder-carry this thing for half a mile. Your back will hate you.
- Get a high-quality kayak cart. Seriously.
- If you're loading it onto a high SUV roof, look into a load assist bar or a "Slide-and-Lock" system.
- The side handles are sturdy, but the sheer width of the beam makes it awkward for one person to "suitcase carry" it.
I’ve seen people struggle at boat ramps because they underestimated the bulk. It’s 11 feet and 6 inches of solid material. It’s durable as hell—you can drag it over rocks and oyster shells without worrying about punching a hole in it—but that durability has a weight tax.
Customization and the SlideTrax System
One reason the Wilderness Systems Ride 115 has such a cult following is the SlideTrax system. It’s basically a rail system that runs along the gunwales.
💡 You might also like: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
You don't have to drill holes in your boat.
If you want to move your fish finder three inches forward, you just loosen a knob and slide it. If you want to add a GoPro mount or a specialized tool holder, it just slides in. This was revolutionary when it first hit the market. It allows the boat to evolve with you. You might start as a minimalist and eventually turn the thing into a floating electronics hub with multiple screens and transducers. The Ride 115 handles that transition better than almost any other mid-sized kayak.
The Storage Situation
The "Orbix" hatches are a bit of a polarizing topic. On one hand, they are super easy to open. No straps, no buckles—just a couple of levers. They provide access to a massive amount of internal storage. You can fit camping gear, extra rods, or a dry bag full of clothes in there.
On the other hand, early versions of these hatches weren't always 100% watertight in heavy chop or if you flipped. If you’re buying a used Wilderness Systems Ride 115, check the gaskets on the hatches. If they look dry-rotted, replace them. It’s a cheap fix that keeps your gear dry.
Who is this Kayak Actually For?
Honestly? It's for the angler who prioritizes confidence over distance.
If your typical day involves paddling five miles out into the open ocean against a stiff wind, this is probably not your boat. You'll get exhausted. But if you’re fishing farm ponds, slow rivers, or coastal marshes, it’s hard to beat. It’s also a fantastic choice for larger paddlers. Because of that "pontoon" hull and high weight capacity (usually around 500 lbs), it doesn't sink deep into the water when a big guy gets on board.
📖 Related: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
It stays high. It stays dry.
Technical Considerations for the Second-Hand Buyer
Since Wilderness Systems moved on to newer models like the Recon, you're most likely looking at a used Ride 115. Here is what you need to inspect:
- The Scupper Holes: Look for stress cracks around the scupper holes, especially if the previous owner used a "scupper cart" (the kind that plugs into the holes). Those can put a lot of torque on the plastic.
- The Hull Bottom: A little "oil canning" (slight indentation) is normal and usually pops out in the sun, but deep gouges that show white stress marks are a red flag.
- The Rudder Lines: If the boat has a rudder kit, check the cables. They can fray or get gummed up with salt if not rinsed.
The Wilderness Systems Ride 115 is a legacy boat for a reason. It proved that a short kayak didn't have to feel like a toy. It’s a serious tool for people who take their fishing seriously but don't want to deal with the logistical nightmare of a 14-foot boat.
Actionable Next Steps for Future Owners
Before you pull the trigger on a Ride 115, do these three things. First, measure your vehicle's roof or truck bed; while it's short, the width (33 inches) can be a tight squeeze for some narrow racks. Second, specifically search for the "MAX" version of the seat if you plan on doing trips longer than two hours—your lower back will thank you for the extra support. Finally, check the weight capacity labels if you plan on adding a motor; while it's a stable platform, adding a Torqeedo or a DIY trolling motor setup changes the center of gravity and requires a bit of counter-balancing with your battery placement in the front hatch.
Once you get it on the water, spend the first thirty minutes just standing up and rocking it. Learn where the secondary stability kicks in. Once you trust the boat, your fishing will actually improve because you'll stop worrying about the water and start focusing on the fish. It's a tank. Treat it like one.