Sun Dolphin - Killer Kayaks!

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 – A Reliable Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak?

From a company that has specialized in the manufacture of small lightweight water vessels, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a masterpiece worth reviewing. It is not majorly superior to others, and to an untrained eye, it is as casual as almost any other common fishing kayak.

To the trained eye, however, there is a little bit more to it than what is seen at first glance. For that reason, whether you are a fully skilled or trainee kayaker, you need to read through this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review.

Check out our list of top 5 Sun Dolphin Bali Kayaks!

Framing Construction of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a 12-foot long, rigid, high-density polyethylene kayak specially formulated for this brand. The Fortiflex material gives the boat high UV resistant qualities. It also gifts the deck of the boat with anti-scratch and anti-crack qualities, which are crucial, especially when kayaking in rough waters.

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The Sun Dolphin Journey 12’s length, combined with its 29.5-inch width, augments its spear-like shape, enhancing the ability of the boat to cut through the water with very little challenge. This sit-on-top kayak’s height comes to about 14 inches, which will serve the user quite well in rough waters while avoiding unnecessary water splashes into the boat’s cockpit.

This fishing-tailored kayak is also considerably light due to its material and minimalistic rigging. At just 48 pounds, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is quite an easy fit for all levels of kayakers to contemplate using. For color diversity, you will get the kayak in two colors, olive and sand. This makes it especially easy for the user to blend in if they’re fishing in murky water.

For its overall build outlook, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 maintains a simple deck streamline. It has an almost horizontal lining all through it from the aft to the stern. The aft and stern overhangs are also not overly done, which creates stability, even for an inexperienced pair of hands.

Check out our information analysis on the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak here.

The deck curves into a well-planned cockpit area. Regrettably, the cockpit area does not embrace an extra lining of cushion, which can become a little uncomfortable, especially after a long period under the sun.

Features of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS has a nice pair of tough thread nylon handles, fitted with a cushy rubber grip to prevent injury during tows and carrying. The pair of handles, contained on top of the fore and stern deck areas, are retractable.

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This solo vessel is capable of accommodating up to 395 pounds, which is a very good standard for almost all sizes of kayakers. This also makes it suitable for long fishing expeditions. To top up the wide range usability feature, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has simple, but comfy form seats.

The standard seat fits well within the wide cockpit to allow for easy maneuvering. However, there are a few people that may find the standard seats to be a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, you’d have to buy seat pads at an extra cost, if you’re going on day trips.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Kayak here.

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Apart from the comfort offered by the open cockpit, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 also comes with thigh pads. These pads are a plus, especially for people who tend to suffer from muscle pulls due to having their legs in such a prone position for long periods.

Adjustable foot braces will keep your legs in place for whichever water conditions you want to experience. The braces have a significantly long tweak, making them capable of accommodating various ranges of leg lengths.

Storage

True lovers of fishing kayaks start with the storage space, then aim for the aesthetics. The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is not at the top when it comes to storage space, but it has enough for an ordinary catch. There are two storage areas, the first being a dry storage compartment. Located on the fore deck of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12, it offers space to carry a few essential items for a good ride. A molded-in front bungee compartment works as an alternative spot for the storage of ‘easy-access’ items such as nets and bags.

The stern of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS, on the other hand, contains a portable accessory carrier, which can be used as an extra storage container. In order to ensure that you do not lose your items, both the aft and stern deck regions are retrofitted with tough elastic shock cords. These cords are stretchy enough to allow for the pulling of bags in the bungee sections and the removal of the PAC too.

As a fishing kayak, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has two flush-mounted fishing rod holders. These rod holders are strategically placed just behind the kayaker’s seat. This makes it convenient for the kayaker to adjust the fishing reels.

The center cockpit area features a nifty swivel fishing rod holder, which goes a long way in making the fishing experience more pleasurable. The positioning of the swivel rod holder is the single most innovative thing the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 carries.

Pros

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is light enough for one person to carry
Cheaper than most kayaks offering the same functionality
Easily stabilizes in rough weather
Ideal for beginners, as we’ve alread learned in this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review
Addition of a P.A.C creates extra storage space

Cons

Blatant lack of hatches takes away from its ‘fishing capable’ feature
Material can be brittle, so no dragging it on the ground during storage and transportation
Seating is not suitable for all users, so extra pads might need to be purchased

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Review Conclusion

There is on thing about Sun Dolphin models that never sits well with most buyers, and that is the material. Lightweight as they come, they always seem to suffer the problem of brittleness. However, that is a problem that is also reflected in a good number of polyethylene kayaks.

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The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is still a good vessel to fish in, and one that a newbie can learn to kayak in. If you are graduating from total inexperience in kayaking to a beginner’s level, this boat is one that you should consider looking at.

Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem – Solid Room Or An Uncomfortable Fit?

Reviewing the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem kayak is not the hardest thing to do. Why?

Because within Sun Dolphin’s range of kayaks, there are a number of more attractive and handy choices. That statement, however, should not be misinterpreted to mean that this sit-on-top kayak is not up-to-par to its siblings. In fact, it’s far from it, as this boat provides much more than you would expect from just taking a glimpse at it.

Let’s take a look at what that means in the following Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem review.

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Find out the top 5 Sun Dolphin Kayaks!

Frame of the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Kayak

As you might have guessed already, the 13.5 in the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem denotes the length in feet. With that length, it is okay for any prospective owner to expect more than a handsome looking cockpit. Measuring 34 inches in width, the boat has enough wiggle space, comfortably accommodating up to three people. However, it works best when used by 2 people, and can function as a solo kayak with just the middle seat.

The Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem’s hull is made of UV-protected HDPE (high density polyethylene), as are all Sun Dolphin boats. This material protects the kayak from big scratches and dents. The use of polyethylene goes a long way in granting the user a lightweight, yet tough vessel, making it ideal for all categories of kayakers.

Rinsing it off after use, especially in salt water, will make the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem retain it’s strength and it will therefore last longer.

The kayak’s hull is well shaped to cut through the water with acuity. At a hull depth of 17″, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem’s overhang is commendably done and leads to an upraised bow area. As such, when paddling in rough waters, the kayak’s bow area sheer lines are still retained way higher than the waterline. This negates the need to get skirting to prevent front water splashes. Additionally, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem’s angular stance while in water gives it a self-bailing capability, which enables the ejection of water from the cockpit.

The cockpit area is not dull either. Even before rigging, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem provides a glimpse into a well thought out style. For starters, the three seating areas are done in a stress-free fashion, perfectly situated.

There is a long depressed area that sits up to two people. The stern section, on the other hand, is a little raised to provide for the last kayaker. Also within this last area is space for an open cargo holding area.

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Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Features

The Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem is sold as a three person kayak, but its maximum capacity threshold would not be conducive to carry three adults on a serious fishing expedition. The kayak is only able to accommodate up to a maximum of 500 pounds, which translates into three average weight adults without fishing gear and other items. As such, it is safe to assume that the third seat could accommodate a child, dog, or extra gear. Fully rigged, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem weighs only 70 lbs.

The seats that come with this boat will serve you pretty well. The adjustable foam padded seats are accompanied by a wide backrest. To hold them in place, they are restrained by strong shock absorbing straps attached to D-rings that are fitted on to the hull.

With the understanding of how tiresome paddling can be, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem has two pairs of adjustable foot braces. Should you wish to go on a solo adventure, you can detach one seat and set your seat in the middle position.

Sadly, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem only comes with two seats. If you want to add one more person, you need to purchase an extra seat. Also, the bottom padding is not that thick, so if you want extra comfort, you’ll need more padding as well.

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Rigged onto the boat’s hull are four carry handles, with two of them located on either side of the hull. The kayak’s posterior and anterior are also fitted with low slung horizontal bar handles. Thus, carrying the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem does not present a challenge to its users.

Storage

The Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem is fitted with three storage points plus the molded in storage platform. The front storage hatch is located just in front of the forward kayak seat. The middle storage compartment, which offers a larger space for more gear, is situated close to the middle seating position. The rear hatch follows the same suit as the front hatch positioning, being situated in front of the last seat.

The stern storage platform is fitted with bungee straps to make sure that your nets, damp wetsuits and bags hold during turbulence. Unlike a good number of similar sized kayaks, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem’s storage platform is a little smaller. So you might be forced to be economical. Both storage hatches are accompanied by tightly fitted flip lids. Conversely, the middle storage compartment is fitted with an easy turn-and-lift lid. This makes it idyllic to use even in rough waters.

As for extras, you get a nice pair of retrofitted paddle holders. The paddle holders are situated on either side of the hull next to the front and back seats. In addition to the holders, each seating section on the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem has a single molded cup holder.

Pros

Easily accommodates tandem and solo usage
Offers a fast means of rigging, with very little additional effort
Perfect way to introduce your children to kayaking with the third seat available
Sufficient storage space for a light fishing expedition
Comfortable, easy to use and maneuver, even for inexperienced users

Cons

Not an optimal fishing kayak, lacks devices like transducing spots, fish rod holders, etc
Prepare yourself for water splashes, common for sit-on-top kayaks
This Sun Dolphin kayak may prove to be less watertight than expected

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 on Amazon!

Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Review Conclusion

Just to reiterate, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem is not the superstar of its league. However, functionally, this 13.5 feet will be great for a good time out on the water for a few hours. It is made for the type of person who embraces high impact kayaking, interspersed with some light fishing.

If you are the angling, ‘basket has to be filled’ type, then the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak might be a better choice for you, although it is not a tandem. But since we all have to start from somewhere, this particular Sun Dolphin kayak gets the green light, especially for beginners.

Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Sit-On-Top Kayak Review – Enough Room?

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 foot sit-on-top kayak is quickly becoming one of the most preferred kayaks by adventurous beginners wanting to navigate lakes and rivers. Just like other sit-on-tops, the Sun Dolphin Bali kayak is designed to move slowly for easy control and is easy to get out of in case of an emergency.

Editor’s Note: Sadly, it has been out of stock for far too long, so here’s a kayak we can highly recommend in place of a Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS:

KL Outdoors Kayak Pick!

Sun Dolphin Excursion Kayak

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This feature makes sit-on-top kayaks a great choice for beginners. However, this particular model has additional features that set it apart from the rest of its competitors. In our Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS review, you will discover about the build of this kayak, along with size, capacity, how it performs, and more.

How Is The Build Of The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS?

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS features a hull design, which is known for stability. The exterior of the Sun Dolphin Bali Kayak is made of Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, which is extremely durable and resistant to the effects of both fresh and salt waters.

The material is UV stabilized so that it doesn’t lose its color from exposure to the sun. In some ways, the polyethylene construction promotes the paddling and tracking ability of the kayak to enable you to cruise the lake or river with ease and stability.

To meet the taste and preferences of customers, the Sun Dolphin Bali Kayak comes in many different color shades including blue, green, orange, and pink, as well as others. This means you will have a better chance at getting your favorite color. The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak measures 10 feet in length, 30 inches in width, and weighs 40 pounds. It is lighter than other kayaks featuring a polyethylene frame material. If this isn’t the kayak for you check out our Oru kayak review.

The frame also has a shock cord deck rigging and paddle leashes. Many people have a tendency to drag their kayaks on the ground towards the water. Since polyethylene easily scratches, the bottom will get damaged with time, resulting in the need for replacement. So you need to formulate a method to tow the kayak to the water without having to drag it on the ground.

Features Of The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 Sit On Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is a single person sit-on-top kayak. It is lightweight and features an easy to carry design with an open cockpit for a quick entry and exit. It has a large, comfortable seating area fitted with protective thigh pads, paddle holder, and adjustable foot braces. This means the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS can accommodate people of all heights. These design features make it easy for you to paddle for extended periods without fatigue or back pain.

KL Outdoors Kayak Pick!

Sun Dolphin Excursion Kayak

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The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak’s maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds.

While the Sun Dolphin Bali Kayak is meant for solo use, it is sizable enough to carry along a small child or a pet, as long as the maximum carrying weight is not surpassed. This Sun Dolphin kayak comes with shock cord deck rigging, allowing you to use it for fishing. You will have to buy some rod holders and other gear needed to furnish the kayak for fishing.

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS kayak is 10 feet long, but if you need a bigger one, you can get others with the same features and specifications, with only a difference in size. You can opt for either the smaller 8 foot version or the larger 12 foot, depending on your needs. The guiding factor should be the maximum weight limit, in which case the 12 foot Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS can carry up to 395 pounds.

In the next part of our Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS review, you will discover if this kayak contains ample storage because let’s face it: when you’re kayaking, this can make or break your trip!

Can You Pack A Lot In The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS?

Going out to kayak is an adventure that needs preparation in terms of supplies. Not only will these supplies make your adventure successful and comfortable, but some of them will also provide for your safety. Examples of things you may need to include are clothes, bottles of water, enough food and snacks, and a cell phone. A good kayak must provide enough storage for these supplies.

Thankfully, the Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 foot sit-on-top is designed to provide enough room for the storage of your valuables and safety essentials. It also has a dry storage compartment that allows you to store all the supplies you don’t want to get wet.

Along with that, the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak comes with the Portable Accessory Carrier (P.A.C), which acts more like a backpack or tow behind where you can store any extra supplies.

KL Outdoors Kayak Pick!

Sun Dolphin Excursion Kayak

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If you want to include fishing in your adventure, then you can take advantage of the shock deck rigging to secure your fishing accessories. While the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS offers enough storage space, just ensure that you don’t overload it. In other words, the combined carrying weight (your weight plus that of your gear) should not surpass the set weight limit.

Compared to other sit-on-top kayak brands of the same size, the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is among the best when it comes to storage.

Pros And Cons Of Owning A Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Kayak

Pros

Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS comes in various attractive colors to suit your preferences
Highly affordable and gives you value for your money
Ideal for beginners because of safety features
Very smooth and easy to paddle
Stable and tracks extremely well
Lightweight and therefore portable
Very comfortable and optimized for long adventures

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Cons

The polyethylene frame of the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is strong but also susceptible to flexing and scratching
The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS hull design makes the watercraft stable but extremely slow
No bottom cushion on the seat and the footrests are a bit uncomfortable

Sun Dolphin Bali 10 Sit On Kayak FAQ

We have created this section as a way to paraphrase this whole article. We have been receiving questions regarding this kayak, that we thought adding a Frequently Asked Questions section to our Sun Dolphin Bali 10 ss review article here was a great idea. Here we go:

1. How Heavy Is The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS? Is It Easy To Carry Around? Can I Carry It Myself?

When it comes to weight, the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS has got to be one of the lightest on the market today. It is 10′ long, 30″ wide, and weighs in at a paltry 44 pounds. This is an easy weight for almost anyone to carry to the beach, lake or river without any help.

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This can be attributed to the lightweight design and polyethylene material used to construct it. The light weight of this kayak might make it a little unstable the first couple of times you take it out to the water, but this ends when you get more used to it.

2. Does The Body Of The Kayak Get Scratched Easily? How Tough Is The Frame? Does The Sun Affect The Material?

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak frame is entirely made out of Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, which is known for its strength and durability. This means that the frame is extremely tough and sturdy. This material is also UV-stabilized, which means that it can effectively resist the effects of UV rays with exposure to sunlight.

One of the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak’s disadvantages is that it is prone to get scratched. This can be attributed to the polyethylene material, which is prone to easy scratching.

3. Will The Cockpit Be Comfortable For A Tall Paddler? Will the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Support Both A Tall AND Heavier Person?

Adjustable foot braces that come with the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS are an ideal accessory for people of various heights, since you can adjust accordingly. However, it is evident that this kayak is most comfortable for people of normal heights, meaning less than 6 feet tall.

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Other variants, such as the 12′ Bali, would be much more ideal for taller people, ones who are taller than 6 ft. The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, so if you’re under that, then this is the kayak for you. But you must also consider how much your gear will weigh as well.

4. How Fast Can The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Go? How Hard Will It Be To Get From Point A To Point B?

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS lightweight design means that it can paddle twice as fast as heavier kayaks, though it’s a little slower than the 8′ Bali. The speed of a kayak depends on how fast you paddle, as well as its general weight, making this particular kayak favorable in this regard.

This, therefore, means that it is easy to get from one point to another, even under strong wind conditions blowing in your direction. It is, however, important to keep an eye on the kayak to ensure that it travels straight, especially when you stop paddling at top speeds.

5. Are There Any Extra Items The Sun Dolphin 10 Bali Sit on Kayak Will Need? Does It Come With Paddles? Does It Have A Skeg Or Rudder?

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is an accomplished kayak that can be taken for a ride straight from the dealer, most of the time. However, there are various items that can be incorporated to boost performance and enhance your user experience, such as stopper plugs to block the 4 scupper holes that go all the way through the floor. It will keep the water out, hence keeping you more dry while paddling.

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Another great addition to the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS has got to be an anchor trolley system that can be installed in order to anchor your kayak safely in line with the prevailing tide, swell and wind conditions.

This kayak does not usually come with a paddle, but some people have gotten one when they ordered the boat. There are paddles you can get where the handle breaks into two halves that can be taken apart for easier storage. Make sure you purchase a paddle that is the correct length you will need.

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS does not come with a skeg or rudder, meaning you will have to control and maneuver the kayak using the paddles.

6. Is It Easy To Store The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Kayak? What Kind Of Accessories Can I Use For Home Storage?

At 44 pounds, the Bali 10 SS is lightweight, compact in size, and easy to store in your house/garage/apartment after a long day of kayaking.

Since the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is only 10 feet in length, it can easily be offloaded and loaded onto racks without much hassle. To aid in easier storage at home, you might want to fit a pair of side mount carry handles to aid in easily lifting your Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak. These are placed at the balance point at either side of the cockpit and can be reinforced with plastic buckles.

7. If I Go Out On A Day Trip, Is There Enough Storage On The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS To Take My Things With Me?

Yes. This can be a huge issue for kayakers who love spending hours in the water and want to bring supplies with them. Room is important! We covered this earlier in the review, but let’s go over it now:

There is more than enough storage on the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS for a day or half day trip. The kayak comes with a rubbery mesh cup holder that can adequately hold your drinks on the go and small storage areas on either side of the boat. There is also a compartment positioned between the knees and fastened with a screw-on-cap. which is big enough hold a smartphone.

Bigger, watertight compartments, held in place by bungee cords, are situated at the front and back of the kayak and can be used for storing extra gear or snacks. The kayak also comes equipped with a P.A.C (Portable Accessory Carrier) that can be used to tow an extra compartment. This means the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is one of the few kayaks on the market today that comes with more than adequate storage space.

8. Can The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Kayak Be Used For Fishing?

The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is quite a versatile kayak that can not only be used for recreational kayaking, but for fishing as well. Most users have reported success on their fishing expeditions after making a few upgrades on the boat.

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Extra fittings and accessories such as a rod holder, fish finder, and an anchor trolley system can be fitted to enable fishing on the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS. These few upgrades are relatively cheap when compared to other kayaks that need a complete overhaul in order to convert them into full-fledged fishing kayaks.

Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Review Verdict!

So many details to consider in this Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS review!

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 foot sit on kayak is a great watercraft for anyone of any age that wants to venture into kayaking. Its 30 inch width offers a high level of stability and the hull design makes it slow and therefore perfect for beginners. It is highly affordable and can be durable if you take good care of it.

With this Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS review, we’ve shown you that the Sun Dolphin Bali Kayak is ideal for small lakes and rivers, but not the sea or large water bodies. Generally, this kayak is a great value for your money.