Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS Review: How Reliable is this Low Budget Kayak?

Aruba 8 SS Review given here is just perfect for anyone who is in search of a cheap yet good quality kayak for great water experiences.

Whether it be for light fishing or just floating out at sea to get some peace, the Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS is the kayak for you.

Just like any of you, I have wasted uncountable hours on the internet searching for an appropriate kayak. However, there is just too less information available.

But no worries!

In order to save you from all that hard work and waste of time, I have described in detail why you may or may not find this kayak to be your perfect fit.

Aruba 8 SS Review: Kayaking on A Budget

If you are anything like me, the first thing that pops in your mind before making a purchase is if it gives me quality for money. Well, in this case, it does. The Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS is a low budget kayak. It allows you to spend some peaceful time in the water while offering optimum comfort.

The best part about this kayak is probably the fact that it is extremely lightweight. Thus, you can easily carry it in your car without much hassle. In addition to that, it is easy to get in and out and is perfect for beginners.

To improve your understanding of the functionality of this kayak, it is important to assess all its specifications in detail.

See Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Review

Weight and Build – A Light Weight Kayak which is Easy to Carry and Transport

As we discussed earlier Aruba 8 SS is fairly lightweight kayak. It is made up of rugged UV-Stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene. Even if you are a teenager, you can easily load it in the back of your SUV or truck without much effort. Moreover, it has a large open cockpit of about 48cm *94cm which makes climbing in an easy job.

Storage Capacity – Fairly Good Storage for a Cheap Kayak

A good sit-in kayak needs enough dry storage capacity to hold your phone and/or fishing line in case you decide to carry it with you on your journey.

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS review would be incomplete without mentioning the waterproof compartment on the front end. You can use it to store your phone or other gadgets.

Not only this but also it has two bungee cords in the front which can be used to carry your trip essentials like backpacks or coolers.

Moreover, it has a recessed drink holder so that you can enjoy a drink or two while you experience the beautiful weather.

Accessories – The Kayak has No Added Accessories

Since it is a cheap kayak, it doesn’t come with any added accessories and you would have to purchase a paddle and scuffs separately from the market. The only problem you may face is the size of the scuffs. You may have to tailor them to fit in the holes of this kayak.

Tracking and Stability – Poor Stability but Good Tracking System

The biggest disadvantage of this kayak is probably the fact that it is extremely hard to stand on it while casting. The reason being that it’s tipsy and you will fall in the water. Probably, that’s the reason that it is best to use it on calm lakes and slow-moving streams.

On the other hand, the molded paddle holder gives you an extra advantage by allowing you to ride hands-free when you need and use paddles when you feel like it.

Moreover, the V-shaped design of the Aruba SS ensures an easy drifting through the water instead of pushing water like another ill-shaped kayak on the market.

You may find that the lack of foot pegs is causing difficulty in steering, especially if you are an inexperienced paddler. However, the kayak responds well to body gestures.

Thus, it can be easily handled with proper paddle placement. It might take a few tries, but you’ll be able to master the steering pretty well.

Comfortability – Not Exactly the Most Comfortable Kayak

In this review, you’ll see how comfortable it is to use the kayak for a quick get-away. However, if you decide to go on a longer trip or spend more than a few hours on this kayak you may find it to be a little uncomfortable.

It has a good adjustable padded seat. Moreover, the kayak has a good enough space for you to adjust yourself comfortably despite your built. The high back support allows you to sit straight and rest your back while paddling.

Speed – The Speed Totally Depends on the Condition of Water

The speed of Sun Dolphin Aruba SS is completely dependent on the condition of the water you choose to go for kayaking.

While the speed is quite great on the smooth and calm river and slow-moving streams, a coarse and rough stream would result in poor tracking and speed.

Here it does not end up, but there is more:

Now that you have studied the specifications in this detailed Review, we’ll move onto the advantages and disadvantages of buying this kayak.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion

In this review of Aruba 8 SS, we discussed all the aspects of the kayak to help you decide if this kayak is a good fit for you. The quality and functionality of the kayak is pretty good considering you get it at a rather cheap price. It's also very easy to handle and carry.

If you are planning on introducing kayak to a friend or family member for short leisure trips, this kayak will be perfect for you. However, if you are a serious buyer who wants a strong kayak for longer trips and over-night stays at the water you should invest in a costly kayak that gives you value for money.