Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Review: How It Performs?

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 is a hard-shell sit-in kayak entry-level recreational kayak. It comes at a size of 10 feet and has a wide cockpit of 17 inches. Like most recreational kayaks, it offers good stability and is easy to get in and out of. It comes at a weight capacity of 250 and the cockpit can accommodate you if you are around the 6-ft-6-in mark.

Moreover, it features an adjustable seat which does not offer much cushion but does the job. Aruba 10 has a rugged construction and offers a variety of color options including cool pink and hot red.

Overall, if you are looking for an inexpensive well-made recreational kayak, get your hands on Sun Dolphin Aruba 10.

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Specifications:

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Review - An Honest Assessment

If I was asked to review Aruba 10 in one line, that would be:

The following is a detailed assessment of how Aruba 10 fares against different criteria.

The Material of Construction - Rugged Construction

Aruba 10 uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for its construction. Kayaks made from HDPE are durable and have good impact resistance. However, they are relatively heavy and have poor UV resistance. Nevertheless, Aruba uses Fortiflex reinforcement which provides some UV stabilization.

One of the drawbacks of HDPE is that it does not give the smoothest of finishes. The same is the case with Aruba 10, it is durable but is not the most aesthetically pleasing kayak around.

Hull Design - V Hull Adds to Speed

Aruba 10 has a “V” hull which means it has sharper bow and stern ends. A “V” hull enables the kayak to cut through the water efficiently and gives it speed.

However, V hulls are generally not very stable. Aruba 10, however, has a higher length to width ratio meaning it is wider considering its length. This relatively more width gives Aruba 10 stability and makes it a good recreational kayak. Its wider cockpit does affect its speed.

Storage - Not Much to Talk About

Sit-in kayaks generally have lesser storage ability than sit-on-top kayaks and the same is the case with Aruba 10. It essentially has one storage area in the back which has a bungee cord over it. It has dimensions of 6" D X 8" W X 11" L.

The problem with this storage area is that it is hard to access when you are in the water. It is also not particularly watertight. Aruba also has a bungee bottle holder at the front which is easy to access.

Performance - Better than You Would Think

Some factors which define the performance of a kayak include stability, speed, tracking, and control/maneuverability.

In terms of stability, Aruba 10 is a stable kayak. One of the things I do to check the stability of a kayak is that I try to find the tipping point. In Aruba 10, because of its stability, you can lean some way on the side without it tipping. Because of its stability, it is a good kayak for beginners.

When it comes to speed, Aruba 10 fares okay. This is partly because of the wider cockpit it has. Therefore, basically, a wider cockpit makes it stable, however, it does affect its speed. I believe it ultimately comes to what you intend to do with a kayak. This is a recreational kayak, made for beginners, therefore stability is more important than speed. However, it can up go up to 5 mph in a lake.

Tracking is the ability of a kayak to hold its line when in motion. Aruba 10 may be a little wobbly when it starts out, however as it sets in motion it has good tracking.

Whenever you go with a short kayak, one thing it does provide is easy control. The same is the case of Aruba 10, it is easy to maneuver and control and turns on a dime.

Therefore, in terms of performance, as in most things, there is some give and take. Aruba 10 is a stable sit-in kayak because of its wider cockpit.

Seat - Not the Best One Around

The seat is an important part of your kayaking experience. It provides you support and comfort. However, if you have a bad seat, you would not be able to spend much time on the water. In addition, if you have a bad back it can exacerbate your pain.

However, when it comes to kayaks, especially inexpensive kayaks, the seat is one thing that is compromised more often. This is partly because you can always add a custom one and also because everything adds up to the final cost.

When it comes to Aruba 10, the seat it comes with provides little back support because there is no padding. On the other hand, it provides no butt support at all. Therefore, basically, you are sitting on the plastic body of the kayak with a little back cushion. Additionally, Sun Dolphin advertises it as an adjustable seat, however frankly I do not much adjustability to it.

Weight Capacity - Limits its User Base

Aruba 10 Kayak comes with a weight capacity of 250 pounds. This is not bad for a 10-foot kayak. However, it does limit its user base because it can not hold some heavy individuals.

Portability - Easy to Transport

This kayak weighs 40 pounds. Therefore, it is not extra light but still easy to load and unload off your vehicle. Its small size at 10 feet also adds to easy portability.

What also adds to it is easy to transport and carry are the two T-handles at bow and stern. You can use these to get the kayak to and from the water.

However, the string which attaches the handles to the kayak is not very durable. However, I feel you can easily grab and carry a kayak of this size from anywhere else besides the handles.

Comfort - Good Enough

Although Aruba 10 does not have a very comfortable seat, it does not adjustable thigh pads. You can adjust these thigh pads according to preference. It additionally has adjustable footrests for additional comfort.

Color Options - Multiple to Choose From

One notable thing about Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 is the multiple color options it provides. You can go for the cool pink or the hot red. It also comes in some unusual colors like lime green, citrus, and tangerine besides the usuals like blue.

Draining - Difficult to Drain

One advantage you do have in sit-in kayaks is that you do not get wet, much I mean. However, because Aruba 10 has a wide cockpit, it does tend to accumulate a lot of water.

However, there is a drain plug at the front end, which can you use to drain it. This drain plug is not very efficient at draining and you may have to drain the water yourself at the end of paddling or sometimes during the trip.

Accessories - Nothing to Talk about

Aruba 10 is a low-budget kayak and it does not come with any accessories, not even a paddle. However, Aruba 10 comes in two basic configurations Aruba 10 and Aruba 10 ss. Do not quote me on this but there is a general belief that the Aruba 10 ss does come with a paddle.

Nevertheless, whether it does come with a paddle or not, it has a paddle keeper that can hold your paddle when not in use.

Activity Type/Skill Level - Great on Flat Water/Beginner to Intermediate

Aruba 10 promises to serve a specific user base and that is for beginner and intermediate kayakers. It works great on flat waters like lakes or ponds, however, it can handle up to class II rivers. Moreover, it is a recreational kayak meaning it is built for casual paddlers.

Price - Budget-Friendly

Aruba 10 is an inexpensive kayak. Considering its build and performance, the price is a great bargain. I believe it is a good option if you are looking to buy a kayak for a summer or two. Moreover, if you are looking to get into the sport, it is a good kayak to invest in first up.

FAQs About Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak

Verdict:

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak promises to be an inexpensive beginner-friendly recreational kayak. It is a sit-in kayak, however, it has a wide cockpit which makes it easy to get in and out of. In addition, what makes it perfect for kids and beginners is its good stability. Although it does not track well when you start in the water, its tracking improves while in motion.

It has high-density polyethylene construction which makes it durable and impact resistant. It additionally has reinforcement with Fortiflex which improves its UV stabilization. It also provides multiple color options.

Some of its drawbacks include not many storage options other than a rear storage compartment and a bottle holder, In addition, it comes with a seat that does not provide padding for the back and has no butt support at all. However, you can always add a custom seat or cushion to make it more comfortable for you.

Overall, Aruba 10 provides a good option for beginners and kids who are looking to get into the sport. It is easy to carry, transport and store. Performance-wise, it is super-easy to maneuver, tracks well, and although not the fastest around, it is stable and difficult to topple. Above all, it comes at a reasonable price which makes a hard-to-ignore option to invest in for a summer or two.