Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS Review
Bottom Line:
The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS is one of the best budget sit-on-top kayaks of 2023 and fares well as a simple fishing kayak good for short trips, reviewers agree. However, it’s let down by a lack of reliable tracking and speed. That said, experts tend to agree you likely won’t need those attributes from this kind of vessel!
This boat arrives with tons of storage options and is very easy to lift, move and store. Experts agree that the price point is likely the biggest selling point, though you may need to get creative with the scupper holes!
Price Comparison:
Specs:
| Brand | Sun Dolphin |
| Size (length x width) | 9'6 x 29.5" |
| Weight | 41 lbs |
| Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Material | Polyethylene |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
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| Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS | Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 | Eddyline Caribbean 14FS | Perception Hi-Life | Feelfree Nomad | |
| Expert Rating | 6.6 | 8.2 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Size | 9'6 x 29.5" | 9'5" x 33" | 14' x 29" | 11' x 34" | 9'6 x 29.25" |
| Weight | 41 lbs | 54 lbs | 50 lbs | 55 lbs | 46.2 lbs |
| Handling | |||||
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| Durability | n/a | n/a |
Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS Review
- Very lightweight and easy to move
- Adjustable seat and rests are easy to manage
- Durably polyethylene construction
- Stacks of storage options
- A great budget choice
- Tracks very poorly
- Slow on most waters
- Doesn't perform well in bad weather
Performance of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Experts agree that the Journey 10 SS is a cheap and cheerful kayak that “gives you what you pay for.” They say it’s a nice fishing kayak for light fishing trips or recreational paddling. It doesn’t achieve bracing speeds, and reviewers agree that its tracking is fairly poor, even on flat water.
However, it does pick up praise for its multiple storage options, such as flush mount rod holders, shock cord deck rigging, a portable accessory carrier, and tackle holders. There’s a paddle holder too to free your hands for fishing. That said, reviewers note that the boat’s relatively low max capacity means you may not be able to make complete use of them.
This kayak also scores fairly well on durability. Its hard plastic shell, experts claim, gives it more than enough resistance against spikier adventures.
However, reviewers also note that users may wish to plug the scupper holes on their own accord, as they’re not always reliable. One expert even used third party ear plugs to fill the gaps!
Comfort-wise, experts feel the lack of a padded seat is notable, but the flexible and slight-padded back rest does offer some relief. It also has adjustable foot braces. There are foot and thigh pads onboard, but reviewers query whether or not this is a great option for shorter riders (e.g. under six feet tall).
The general consensus otherwise is that it’s a fantastically affordable boat, but you might not expect “kayak of the year” features out of it.
