Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS Review
Bottom Line:
The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS fares well as a simple fishing boat 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 | |||||
| Stability | |||||
| Comfort | |||||
| Onboard Storage | |||||
| Portability | |||||
| 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.” 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 rod holders, bungees and cavities. 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 seat padding is notable, but the flexible and slight-padded back rest does offer some relief. 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.
Expert Reviews of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Happiness WithoutI'm fairly mixed on the Journey 10 SS. It's great for beginners who want to get to grips with tighter paddling from the get-go, but it really isn't the best at tracking. It's also pretty light on capacity. That said, I find it's a reasonable enough boat for day trips and light fishing here and there.Read more
Creating A Simpler Life Off GridDespite the fact this kayak is definitely not going to win any races (and its tracking is fairly poor), it's great for gentle adventures and is reasonably supportive. For the money, it's a great value kayak that doesn't try to compete beyond its station.Read more
Monkey N AroundThis is a seriously cheap kayak option that I think makes for a good introduction to fishing boats in general. I'd consider this a good purchase if you're in the market for an inexpensive kayak first and foremost, but it really doesn't track well when fishing on the flat.Read more
Handling of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Happiness WithoutThe size and weight of this kayak make it really easy to maneuver through tight spots - I think it's great for beginners. However, its tracking is very poor - I wouldn't recommend it to experienced paddlers. It suffers a lot in brisk weather, and I'd advise against taking it out in strong currents. Speed is not one of its strong suite either; this boat really does plod through the water!Read more
Creating A Simpler Life Off GridThis kayak's tracking really isn't very good at all - it goes nowhere fast, but if that's not a priority for you, I don't see this being a deal-breaker. Just don't take this kayak out if you're competing with others on the water!Read more
Monkey N AroundThis boat handles reasonably well, and that's mainly thanks to the fact it's pretty short. That said, it's not the best at tracking on flat water (which is to be somewhat expected).Read more
Stability of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Happiness WithoutThis boat's width and classic angling boat design make it built for stability, though it's actually a little less stable than other kayaks in a similar line. It's not stable enough to hold steady while you stand, for example, and it really starts rocking if you're sailing on anything but calm, flat waters.Read more
Creating A Simpler Life Off GridThis boat is nice and easy to sit still in, depending on how you use it and to what extent. In my experience, taking a short fishing trip on slightly choppy waters, this kayak managed to hold its own fairly well. It might feel a little "tippy" but it's actually very stable.Read more
Comfort of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Happiness WithoutThe Journey 10 is by no means an uncomfortable boat, but if you're as experienced as I am, you've likely ridden in comfier kayaks. It could really use additional padding - and while I think the thigh straps are nice additions for taller paddlers, shorter riders will likely miss out. I'd recommend padding the boat out yourself if you're paddling it for long periods.Read more
Creating A Simpler Life Off GridThere's no bottom pad to sit on while you paddle, but the back seat is at least nice and adjustable if you need to bring yourself forward during a paddle. I'd recommend you invest in some seat cushions of your own. Protective thigh pads are nice touches, but I couldn't reach them! It's not built with comfort for all heights in mind.Read more
Monkey N AroundIt's got leg and foot pads to help ease you in, and the seat has a slight pad towards the rear. The seat is at least slightly adjustable, which is a plus. However, the weight capacity is pretty small - it's not great for larger riders.Read more
Onboard Storage of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Happiness WithoutDespite the fact this boat is fairly light on capacity, I am impressed by the storage capacity onboard. There's a watertight hatch with bungees and two additional hatches down in the cockpit. The two extra bungees to the bow are great touches, too. However, in my experience, this boat really only fares well on day trips and short bursts of fishing here and there. There's no room to customize your boat if you want to add gear tracks, for example. It's a shame I really can't make the most out of the storage potential here.Read more
Creating A Simpler Life Off GridThere's some nice-sized container storage onboard this kayak, which I think works perfectly for dry well or wet storage. However, not all of it is easy to access. The rod holders are handy enough, but the swivel holder doesn't really live up to its name. The bungees seem to slip a little bit, meaning I wouldn't say they're the most secure - but they are easy enough to hold down. I like the extra storage compartments inside the boat, which I don't think get enough coverage from reviewers!Read more
Monkey N AroundThere are a few interesting storage points across the boat, such as the front bungee and the bottle holder in the center of the kayak, which is easy to secure. I like the fishing rod port in the middle, too. The two pockets on either side of the seat also work well for holding your tacklebox.Read more
Portability of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Happiness WithoutI found this kayak amazingly portable as it's so lightweight and relatively short. The polyethylene adds to the weight a little, but I still find this boat easy enough to carry in the back of a truck or on a rack. It's even easy to drag via kayak cart thanks to its keel design. No problems here.Read more
Creating A Simpler Life Off GridThe carry handles on the front and back of the boat make it easy for two people to move around with.Read more
Monkey N AroundThis boat is really easy to haul around - it's extremely lightweight, simple to handle, and has a low weight capacity, too.Read more
Durability of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Happiness WithoutThe plastic hull is impressively durable, and I was impressed at how well it held up against some of the rockier parts of the journeys I sailed down. I think it's durable enough for beginners, though the polyethylene does make the kayak heavier than you might expect.Read more
