Sun Dolphin Journey 10 ss review: budget fishing kayak?

Sun Dolphin Journey 10 ss is basically a 10-feet long sit-on-top fishing kayak which is great for rivers, lakes, and excluded fishing spots. This kayak is easy to maneuver, paddle and offers great stability. It comes with two flush-mount rod holders and one swivel holder which is a cool feature to have.

Moreover, the cockpit area of Journey 10 is very spacious for a 10-feet kayak. In addition, it is very easy to get in. What I really admire about this kayak is that it has a large, comfortable seating area. The comfort is further enhanced by an adjustable padded seat. However, it does not end here, there are protective thigh pads.

There are multiple storage compartments and shock cord deck riggings to carry crates and other stuff like that. Nowadays, the storage compartment is also referred to as a portable accessory carrier. This is because it is a dry cabinet and you can keep your wallet, cell phones, and other electronics in it.

The material of its construction is rugged UV-Stabilized Fortiflex High-density polyethylene. Basically, this is strong enough to withstand minor abrasions and the abused water has to offer.

Sun Dolphin Journey 10 ss Review

Just like other kayaks, Sun Dolphin 10 ss has its own advantages and drawbacks. Since it is a low-budget kayak, there are some features that have been compromised. However, there are some features which have been improved. In this section, I will discuss these features and will let you know how these compromised and improved features turned out.

Stability - not Stable Enough to Stand on

Sun Dolphin 10ss offers good stability in both ideal and non-conditions. I have tested it in both rough and calm water and so far it has been good. The reason behind it can be its smaller size. The small size of it provides great control and stability but at the same time, it limits you. There is no way you can stand on this kayak to cast your lines. It would definitely flip if you try standing on it.

Seat - Uncomfortable, impossible to spend a long duration on it

The seat of Sun Dolphin 10ss is not as comfortable as other kayaks. There is just a single back pad that offers good back support but there is nothing at the bottom. You have to sit on the plastic body of a kayak which is very uncomfortable. However, a cushion can be used at the button to make it a little bit comfortable.

The protective thigh pads are also too far away and even the people of average height can’t reach them. This basically renders them useless unless you are a taller person.

Storage Capacity - A lot of Room for a 10-feet Kayak

One of the features to love about Sun Dolphin 10ss is that it provides an ample amount of storage. Firstly, there is a dry cabinet at the rear of the boat which is airtight. You can fill it with water to make it a live container or with ice to keep your catch fresh.

In addition, over this compartment, there is a bungee network where you can put the crates containing your fishing gear. There is also a bungee network at the front, but you can’t really use it because there is too little space there. However, you can tie some of your gear with the bungee.

There is another little compartment right in front of the seat which is not 100% airtight. Basically, I have used it to keep my worms during fishing. In addition, there is a cup holder and two other small storage compartments. These are at the walls of the kayak where you can put your wallet and cell phone.

Tracking System - Fine in Calm Weather, Disappointment in Rough Conditions

The tracking system is the worst thing about this kayak. These systems are installed to track the kayak back into a straight line. The tracking system in this kayak doesn’t do the job well in this kayak. Even at slow speed, it doesn’t keep the kayak in line and when the water is rough or the weather is windy it gets even worse. Overall, the boat just keeps haphazardly.

Rod Holders - Enough for Beginners

There are three-rod holders on this kayak. Two of them are flush mount rod holders and the third one is a swivel rod holder. Basically, the flush mount rod holders are pretty deep and you can put your rods in without being skeptical.

However, the other rod holder is not actually a swivel. It gets stuck and you will have to move it manually in the direction you want. This might be good for some people but not for others.

Speed - Average

Sun dolphin 10ss is a lightweight kayak but not a speedy one. Even in the calm waters, it doesn’t provide fast speed. However, speed is still enough for fishing and recreational trips. I would say it glides pretty smoothly over the water. If racing with other kayaks is not your thing you would be satisfied with its speed.

Maneuverability - Provides good control

The actual size of this kayak is not 10 feet it is 6 inches less. It means it provides great maneuverability. Basically, you don’t even need a rudder system to maneuver it. Just simple paddling can turn the kayak into the direction you want to go.

In addition, the shorter size also enables it to take sharp turns. It also helps to move around the rocks present in lakes. That makes you able to go into excluded fishing spots where it is difficult to take longer kayaks.

Self-Bailing System - Poorly Designed

The self-bailing system is installed in kayaks to drain the water that enters the kayak. The problem with this system in Sundolphin 10 ss is that the holes are too small. It is a disappointment that a standard-sized scupper won’t fit in and you would have to modify the scuppers. The modified scuppers are not as effective as actual ones.

Moreover, the screws are also not properly tight and the gaps between them provide a way to water to climb up in the boat. You might have to visit your local sports shop to find the plugs that fit in. If you still cannot find it, you can add earplugs. They will swell up and fit the holes. However, you might have to change them frequently.

Transportation - Can fit at the back of SUV

Transportation of this kayak is very easy because of its size and weight. It doesn’t require a special trolley and not even a truck with a spacious back. It can easily fit in the back of an SUV car. Moreover, the retractable handles provide all the help you need to load and unload it from the car.

Accessories - Comes with Nothing

As it is a low-budget kayak it doesn’t come with any accessories. It is understandable that a paddle doesn’t come with it but the least they should provide is the scuppers.

I even had to purchase a scupper separately from the market. The problem is there are not any scuppers available that can fit in the holes so you have to modify them and they do not work well.

Weight capacity - Holds up a Good Amount of Weight

The weight capacity of this kayak is 250 pounds which is good. Thus, it can carry almost all of your fishing gear on board. In addition, if you catch a huge fish you won’t have a problem carrying it on board as well.

Ease of use - Best for Beginners, Not for Pros

This kayak doesn’t have any complex feature so the people who are just getting started can enjoy the kayak without requiring any basic training.

However, for the pros it is not good, the seat, tracking system, and speed is not up to the mark for experienced kayakers.

The material of construction - Rugged Material

The material used in this boat is rugged UV-Stabilized Fortiflex High-density polyethylene. This is a strong material and can withstand the abuses water has to offer. In essence, this is the best material that can be used at price like this.

This material is pretty good and with the proper care, it can last several years. This makes the boat very durable provided that proper care is taken.

Price - Low-Budget Kayak

This kayak is a low-budget kayak and it is the best thing about it. You can easily purchase this kayak without even saving money. Despite being a low-budget kayak, it does provide some nice features which is why I would recommend this kayak if you are running a little short on money or occasional kayakers or beginners.

Sun Dolphin Journey 10 ss Mods - Modifications Needed to be Done

When I first received Journey 10 ss, the first thing I wanted to change was the seat. This kayak does not come with a comfortable seat. So, I went ahead and ordered a stadium seat. You would just need to screw it into the wall on the backside and you are good to go.

One of the not-so-good features of this kayak is its stability. If you are not satisfied with the stability, you can go ahead and add outriggers to it. These outriggers by Inspired by Nature are affordable and do the work.

As said earlier, this kayak has three-rod holders which may not be good enough for an experienced angler. You can add a couple of additional rod holders. I have them on my Vibe Sea Ghost and they do the job.

FAQs

Verdict

This kayak is for the people who are just getting started and do not want to spend a lot of money on a kayak. As it comes at a much lower price than typical kayaks, there are some features that are compromised because of its price.

However, despite being a low-budget kayak it offers some great features which include storage, stability, and maneuverability. These features are better than some of the expensive kayaks and to be honest, this is what one really needs when he/she is just getting started.

Overall, it is a good kayak that comes at an affordable price and has everything that a beginner needs in a kayak.