If you are a kayaking enthusiast, then you have heard about the sun dolphin kayaks or even used one of them. Some of the best Sun Dolphin kayaks are SUN DOLPHIN BALI SS 10-foot sit-on-top kayak, SUN DOLPHIN Excursion 10-foot sit-in fishing kayak, SUN DOLPHIN ARUBA 12 S.S. sit-in Recreational kayak, SUN DOLPHIN CAMINO 8 S.S. sit-on recreational kayak, etc.
Key Takeaways
- Experience plays a very important role while deciding what type of kayak is best for you
- SUN DOLPHIN BALI SS 10-foot sit-on-top kayak has adjustable door braces and a large sitting area, ensuring maximum comfort when you are out kayaking
- SUN DOLPHIN Excursion 10-foot sit-in fishing kayak can carry up to 250lbs, so you will have extra space to carry your gear
- SUN DOLPHIN BALI 6 Sit-On Recreational kayak is made of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, which is solid but lightweight
1. SUN DOLPHIN BALI SS 10-foot sit-on-top kayak
2. SUN DOLPHIN Excursion 10-foot sit-in fishing kayak
3. SUN DOLPHIN BALI 6 sit-on recreational
https://sundolphin.com/bali-6/
4. SUN DOLPHIN ARUBA 12 S.S. sit-in Recreational kayak.
https://sundolphin.com/aruba-12-ss/
5. SUN DOLPHIN CAMINO 8 S.S. sit-on recreational kayak.
https://sundolphin.com/camino-8-ss/
6. SUN DOLPHIN FIJI 10 S.S. sit-in recreational kayak.
https://sundolphin.com/fiji-10-ss/
7. SUN DOLPHIN BALI 13 S.S. tandem sit-on recreational kayak.
https://sundolphin.com/bali-13-5-ss-tandem/
The list above is our top choices for Sun Dolphin kayaks. If you don’t have time to go through the whole article, you can click the link below each kayak name that will take you to the Amazon or Sun dolphin website to check availability and price. Below, we have discussed factors you should consider when buying a kayak.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Kayak
Before purchasing your next kayak, you have to put several factors into consideration. No one wants a situation where you buy a kayak, but don’t get the best out of it. You have to consider several things like weight and size. Some of these factors will depend on your needs. Going through these factors will help you know which one to buy and which will serve you just right.
1. Experience Level
Are you a beginner, intermediate or experienced kayaker? Experience is a crucial factor since it will determine the type of kayak you should buy. Beginner kayaks are also called recreational kayaks. They have a large cockpit, easy to get in and out of, are thick, and slightly heavier than other kayaks. This weight makes them very stable. Kayaks used by experienced kayakers are called touring-style kayaks. They are thinner and lightweight. Intermediate kayaks are lightweight with a large cockpit. It would help if you considered your experience level before investing in a kayak.
2. Budget
Before you buy anything, you always have to consider how much you are willing to spend. You obviously, can’t buy something that is beyond your budget. If you plan to buy a relatively expensive kayak, you should prepare yourself well to ensure that you don’t spend what you don’t have.
3. Weight Capacity
Knowing the maximum weight capacity of your kayak will help you plan. The kayak’s capacity includes the weight of the kayaker plus that of any luggage you will take with you. If you like kayaking for a long time, you should go for as much capacity as possible because the further you go, the more items you will need to have. You could even take your dog along in some kayaks if you choose well.
4. Hull Type
There are various types of hulls that you should know before deciding whether or not to purchase a bought with the such hull. A flat hull will offer you excellent primary stability and maneuverability. It is a good choice if you are a beginner. Rounded hulls increase speed; V-shaped hulls will help you kayak in a straight line. A soft chine will offer excellent Secondary stability.
5. Length And Width
It will help if you consider your height when focusing on the length of the kayak. If you are tall, a longer kayak will ensure your comfort. A long, narrow kayak is faster and will travel in a straighter line, whereas a short and wide kayak will give more stability.
6. Kayak Weight
The weight of the kayak will matter, especially if you are a solo kayaker. You will want a kayak that you can easily carry to and from the beach. The lighter your kayak, the easier it will be for you. You can also easily lift it to the top of your car when going to the kayak.
7. Comfort
No one would want a kayak that does not provide comfort. You would not even have the psyche to paddle on when in discomfort. You should look for a kayak whose seating area is comfortable, with a padded seat and a backrest if needed. Footwells and thigh pads for added comfort on your thighs should also be considered.
Comparison Table
In this section, we have a comparison table for easier comparison between the different Sun dolphin products. We will compare the weight capacity and length of the kayaks.
| Product name | Weight capacity | length |
| SUN DOLPHIN BALI SS 10-foot sit-on-top kayak | 250lbs | 10 ft |
| SUN DOLPHIN Excursion 10-foot sit-in fishing kayak | 250lbs | 10 ft |
| SUN DOLPHIN BALI 6 sit-on recreational | 140lbs | 6 ft |
| SUN DOLPHIN ARUBA 12 S.S. sit-in Recreational kayak | 395lbs | 12 ft |
| SUN DOLPHIN CAMINO 8 S.S. sit-on recreational kayak | 225lbs | 8 ft |
| SUN DOLPHIN FIJI 10 S.S. sit-in recreational kayak | 280lbs | 10 ft |
| SUN DOLPHIN BALI 13 S.S. tandem sit-on recreational kayak | 500lbs | 13.5ft |
Our top seven sun dolphin kayaks reviewed
1. SUN DOLPHIN BALI SS 10-foot sit-on-top kayak
| Weight | 44 lbs |
| width | 30 inches |
This is among the most popular sit-on-top kayaks from this brand. They come in two colors: blue and lime, giving you at least a chance to choose the color you prefer. This sit-on-top kayak weighs 44 pounds, making carrying it easy. The advantage of having a lightweight kayak is that you can easily take it to and from the beach and lift it to your kayak, even without any help. Its weight limit is 250 pounds, so you carry your gear without worrying; ensure that you don’t exceed the weight limit for maximum stability. This kayak is excellent for recreation on the lake or river. The open cockpit makes it easy to get in and out of. It also has adjustable door braces and a large sitting area, ensuring maximum comfort when you are out kayaking. For storage, this kayak has an open tank well, where you can keep extra things you might want to carry. The Sun Dolphin Bali SS sit-on-top kayak is made from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene. While offering you stability, this kayak is comfortable due to the thigh pads. This package comes with a portable accessory carrier which you can use as a storage compartment or paddle holder, or you can even tow it behind.
P.A.C- this kayak comes with a Portable Accessory Carrier, that is, P.A.C, that can be used as extra storage. You can also tow it behind your kayak, ensuring you do not add excess weight to your kayak.
Comfortable Seating Area- the seating area provides comfort since it is large enough. It also has protective thigh pads and adjustable foot braces. Also, rest when you’re tired of paddling by placing your paddle on the paddle holder.
Open Cockpit- the open cockpit allows easy entry and exit.
2. SUN DOLPHIN Excursion 10-foot sit-in fishing kayak
| Weight | 40 pounds |
| width | 30 inches |
This sit-in kayak is great for lakes and rivers for your fishing trips. It is made from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, ensuring strength and durability. It comes with a lot of storage, starting with the dry storage compartment, water bottle holder, and shock cord deck rigging. It is designed to give you maximum comfort, with protective thigh pads, an adjustable padded seat, and adjustable foot braces. It also has a paddle holder to give your arms a rest when tired. Even though it is a sit-in kayak, the cockpit is open and large, giving easier entry. Carrying this kayak will not be a challenge because it has fore and aft carrying handles, and it is lightweight. It can carry up to 250 lbs, so you will have extra space to carry your gear. The hull is designed to optimize tracking and turning.
Storage- the excursion 10 has a dry storage compartment shock cord deck rigging, water bottle holder, paddle holder, one swivel rod holder, and two flush mount rod holders.
Easy To Carry- weighing a total of 40 pounds, this kayak is light enough for one person to carry alone. It also has carry handles that make the process even easier.
Stability-the hull design of this kayak offers optimum tracking and turning, giving you stability.
3. SUN DOLPHIN BALI 6 Sit-On Recreational
| Weight | 28 lbs |
| Width | 30 inches |
You will love the Bali 6 sit-on recreational, and your kids will love it even more. It is perfect for a family fun day on the water, and your kids won’t feel left out. This kayak gives maximum stability while, at the same time, tracking and paddling with ease. It is made of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, which is solid but lightweight. Carrying it is made easy since it weighs only 13 kilograms and has a carrying handle. It has an open cockpit for easy entry and exit. It gives maximum comfort as it has graduated footwells that can accommodate a paddler of any size. The seating area is also large and comfortable. It has a molded-in paddle holder to rest your arms when tired; the self-bailing system allows you to kayak without worrying. This package will come with a paddle, so you won’t have to worry about spending money on another one.
Comfort- this kayak will provide your kids with maximum comfort, from the ample seating area, graduated footwells, and an open cockpit.
Stability- the BALI 6 offers maximum stability while tracking and paddling with ease.
Easy To Carry- the kayak weighs 13kg, making it lightweight; this and the carry handles make it very easy to carry to and from the beach, and even loading and unloading to your S.U.V. will not be a problem.
4. SUN DOLPHIN ARUBA 12 SS Sit-In Recreational Kayak
| Weight | 47 lbs |
| Width | 30 inches |
If you love paddling in lakes and rivers, then you will love this kayak. It is 12 feet long and 30 inches wide. It weighs 21kg, meaning that you will not have a problem carrying, loading, and unloading your car. Retractable carrying handles make this even more accessible. The capacity is 395 lbs, ensuring that you have enough space for yourself and your gear. It has a large, comfortable seating area. In addition to this, adjustable foot braces and protective thigh pads for comfort. This kayak paddle tracks with ease and gives maximum stability. The storage of this kayak will allow you to store more and kayak for long hours. It has a dry storage compartment for your gear. If this is not enough, a P.A.C., a portable accessory carrier, can be used as extra storage. What is even better is that you can tow it so it won’t add weight. If you love paddling for long hours, then you have no excuse. It also comes with shock cord deck rigging and flush mount, and fishing, rod holders.
Sufficient Storage- the ARUBA 12 S.S. has enough storage as it has a dry storage compartment for your gear, a fishing rod holder, and a portable accessory carrier just in case you have a lot to take with you.
Carry Handles- carrying this kayak is easy due to its retractable carry handles. It weighs 21kg, so you will not have to worry about the weight.
Comfort- the large cockpit and seating area provide maximum comfort. Also, it has adjustable foot braces and protective thigh pads.
5. SUN DOLPHIN CAMINO 8 SS Sit-On Recreational Kayak
| Weight | 40 lbs |
| Width | 31.5 inches |
You can have fun paddling in this sit-on kayak. The comfort has it for us. It has a large open cockpit for free movement and getting in and out. The seat is adjustable and padded, and also has a backrest. It has graduated footwells to accommodate any size paddler. If comfort is your priority when looking for a kayak, then this is the way to go. This kayak features a square stern that ensures maximum stability on the water. It has a dry storage compartment for your gear; the capacity is 102kg, so you have enough storage. Ensure, however, that you do not exceed the weight limit. This kayak is easy to carry and transport since it has molded handles and weighs 18kg making it possible for one person to carry it easily. For added storage, it has shock cord deck rigging. It is also self-bailing so that you can paddle stress-free.
Material- this kayak is made of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex High-density polyethylene that makes it solid and durable.
Deck Rigging- it has shock cord deck rigging for added storage.
Comfortable- the kayak has an adjustable seat with a backrest, an open cockpit, and graduated footwells.
Stable- the Camino 8 S.S. sit-on has a square stern that gives your kayak maximum stability so you can paddle with confidence.
6. SUN DOLPHIN FIJI 10 SS Sit-In Recreational Kayak
| Weight | 44lbs |
| Width | 34.5 inches |
The Fiji 10 S.S. sit-in kayak is 115.5 inches long and 29.5 inches wide. This width is good enough to allow you space to move about. It weighs just 44 pounds, and thus with the help of carrying handles, makes it easy to carry it and move it from and to the beach; loading and unloading it to your car is also possible even if you are alone. It is made from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, making it the perfect fit for your kayaking adventure. Comfort is one of the things the manufacturers considered when making this kayak. It has a comfortable seat that is padded, protective thigh pads, and adjustable foot braces that allow you to kayak without getting tired after just a short time. It also has extra features that you will love. Who doesn’t love having their phone at a hand’s reach? That is why this kayak has a hands-free electronics console, making your work easier. A water bottle holder is also in place. The storage provided for this kayak is impressive, as it comes with a portable accessory carrier and school cord deck rigging.
Extra Features- This kayak has several features that you should look out for, such as a bottle holder and a hands-free electronics console, especially if you’d love to have your phone close to you.
Storage- apart from a dry storage compartment with a lid. The kayak has a portable accessory carrier that you can use for extra storage, and you can also tow it so that it doesn’t add weight to your kayak. It also has deck rigging to hold some of the gear that you may need to have close by.
Easy Transportation- Fiji 10 S.S. weighs 44 lbs and has carry handles, so you can quickly load and unload it from your car or carry it from the beach without help from anyone.
7. SUN DOLPHIN BALI 13 S.S. Tandem Sit-On Recreational Kayak
| Weight | 70 lbs |
| Width | 34.5 inches |
If you are fun of paddling with a partner, then this will interest you. The weight capacity is 500 lbs, so you and your partner will load it and even add your gear without the worry of overloading it. Always remember, however, that you should not exceed the weight capacity for your safety. This kayak can fit up to three people, or you can have your favorite pet come with you and sit in the middle. The Bali 13.5 SS will provide you and your partners with the utmost comfort. The seats are adjustable and padded. They also have high backrests for added comfort. It also has adjustable foot braces. It has storage hatches and compartments to help you carry your gear. When your arms are tired of paddling, the paddle holders will come in handy.
Tandem- this kayak can accommodate up to three people or two people and a pet. Remember not to exceed the weight limit. It is suitable for people who love company.
Comfortable- the seats are adjustable, padded, and have a high backrest. It also has adjustable foot braces and paddle holders. This kayak is self-bailing so that you can paddle stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
In this section, we will try to answer questions that you may have concerning SUN DOLPHIN kayaks. We will try to answer them to the best of our ability.
Are SUN DOLPHIN Kayaks Made In America?
Yes, they are designed, molded, and assembled in the U.S.A.
What Are SUN DOLPHIN Kayaks Made Of?
All the sun dolphin kayaks are made from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, so you can even repair them at home in case of anything.
How Much Do SUN DOLPHIN Kayaks Weigh?
Most of their kayaks weigh about 40 pounds. However, some weigh less; for instance, the kids’ kayaks weigh about 28 pounds.
Wrap Up
As we conclude, we hope you have learned a thing or two about sun dolphin kayaks. If you were not sure whether or not to buy them, then you now have your answer. They are long-lasting and have features that will be good for a paddle in rivers and lakes. Our pick is the Fiji 10 S.S. sit-in kayak. It is stable and comfortable to last you on a long day. It features other accessories like a bottle holder, hands-free electronic console, and deck rigging. You are, however, at liberty to choose the one that you prefer according to your needs and taste.
References:
- https://sundolphin.com/bali-10-ss/
- https://sundolphin.com/excursion-10/
- https://sundolphin.com/bali-6/
- https://sundolphin.com/aruba-12-ss/
Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: Authors
Based on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.
Find his team on Twitter here. Happy reading!
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
