Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak Review
Whether you’re a professional paddler or a beginner, having a kayak you can depend on is mandatory. A dependable kayak ensures enjoyment when you’re on the water – the last thing you want to be concerned about is safety when you’re out there. If you’re in search of a decent kayak, both the Journey 12 and Aruba 10 have been worthy options and have been for quite some time. The reviews given by loyal customers speak for themselves.
Many advantages come with the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak. This article will go over the advantages and disadvantages that come with the craft, in addition to other pertinent information you should be mindful of. Is this kayak capable of accommodating your paddling endeavors? Let’s find out!
Advantages – Does It Resolve a Problem?
If you intend to purchase a small vessel for water activities (light lake or river paddling, for instance), then the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak is worth looking at. This sit-in kayak comes with the fundamental features a small-sized boat needs, and the price happens to be quite reasonable. Non-professional paddlers can still ride this craft and enjoy activities it is made for without breaking the bank.
This is a perfect kayak for experts and is just as compatible for those who are new to the world of paddling. Several expert paddlers have actually graduated from basic boats just like this one. The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak is ideal for weekend kayakers, kids, and those who simply want to enjoy some peace and quiet when on the lake or river.
If you’re interested in testing out nature and feeling how powerful the waters are, then something heavier than a fundamental boat like this will be needed. Also, you’ll have some difficulty with the cockpit’s storage department if you’re taller than 5’8”. Having said that, the craft can give you great experiences when you’re out on the water.
Fast Facts
- Usable for long or short trips.
- Comfortable and spacious.
- Storage compartments are available for food and gear, among other essentials.
- A holder for water bottles is included.
- Ideal for lake and river riding.
- Comes in six different colors, which are intended to optimize visibility.
- For the price, you get terrific value.
Features
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak’s hull design is beneficial for tracking and turning. The gear storage compartment is quite convenient. The vessel also has deck rigging for shock cords, in addition to a versatile foot brace and spray deflection collar.
This craft is 30 in. wide, 10 ft. long, 13 in. high, and weighs 40 lbs. It is a weight capacity of 250 lbs. and comes with all the fundamental features you need when you’re out on the water.
Durability
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak is produced with polyethylene at high-density levels. It can withstand occasional rock run-ins and various water obstacles. You’ll find shell dents here and there, but nothing that will breach the vessel. If you notice some dents, you’ll be able to repair them yourself. This kayak comes with a 24-month warranty, ensuring its protection for a full two years.
Tracking and Stability
These are important features to consider when you are purchasing any kind of watercraft. This vessel’s bow and stern are narrow, which keeps it on the right track. The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak is capable of slicing through water, as opposed to pushing it out of the way like blunt designs boats do. It happens to be a very light craft, weighing a mere 40 pounds. It will sit on water lightly, providing you with extra tracking ability. This kayak’s bottom is flat, and its width is about 30 inches. Each one of these features ensures stability for all paddlers, experts, and beginners alike.
Simple to Transport
Getting the canoe into the water effortlessly is important, and you should be able to do so confidently. The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak can fit readily into your truck’s bed, as well as any vehicle-top carrier. Because the vessel weighs just 40 pounds, it can be carried to the water with ease from your automobile.
Load Capacity
Because this craft is 10 feet long, its load limit is small. In fact, it has a carrying capacity of 250 pounds, but no more than that. You’ll see a storage compartment right behind the seat. You’ll also find room to store your gear near your feet.
Comfortability Levels
There are a few features that optimize comfort when paddling, the first being the back support, which is quite high. The foot braces can also be adjusted, which improves the paddling experience. Lastly, you’ll find a spray deflection collar built into the vessel, keeping you dry.
Since we have looked at the advantages, we can now go over the disadvantages, which will give you a better understanding of what this kayak entails. Each one of these things must be considered – you need to decide if you are willing to compromise on them. It is possible that these features might not be negotiable for you.
Seat
There isn’t any padding on the seat. That can end up being quite uncomfortable when sitting for extensive periods of time. However, if you intend to go paddling for three hours or less, the seat will not be an issue. People who kayak on the weekends won’t have any problem with the non-padded seats.
Water Conditions
Because the boat is quite basic, you are encouraged to use it on only flat water. The vessel is capable of handling slight wake chops created by other boats. Having said that, it isn’t all that great with waves that are as high as one foot or more. If you’re interested in testing the waters out, you should do so with a boat that’s developed to withstand such waves.
Minimal Storage
While a compartment is available behind the craft’s seat, it isn’t any bigger than the average shoebox. For many paddlers, this simply is too small. Further, if you’re taller than 5’8”, there won’t be any storage for you inside the cockpit. Anglers are discouraged from choosing the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak because of its lack of storage.
Bringing a dog or another person on the kayak is also discouraged, as tempting as it may be to do. If you do want to bring a pet or a person with you, you would do well to purchase some sort of twin kayak rather than this one.
Ultimately, this craft is ideal for floating peacefully on rivers and doing light paddling when on the water. Because it has a body that is rigid and small, the kayak is a recreational boat capable of tracking well. It is also simple to bring over to the edge of the water.
Warranties and Price
You can expect to pay just over $400 for the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak. You might be able to get it for as cheap as $200. By shopping around, you’ll be able to locate a good deal on this canoe. Check to see if a paddle is included with the boat. If it doesn’t, you’ll need enough room in your budget to buy one separately.
As alluded to earlier, a 2-year warranty is included with this craft. The unit should be checked thoroughly to ensure that it doesn’t have factory defects of any sort. By doing this as soon as you get the vessel, you won’t have to concern yourself with returning it after the fact.
Takeaway
By understanding what the boat is equipped with, you can determine if this one is suitable for your needs. You should know what to be prepared for as a paddler or kayaker so you can figure out what type of boat to buy.
If you simply want to spend some time relaxing on the lake or river, this boat will be ideal for you.
With that said, if you are interested in feeling the waves or chasing thrilling experiences, you’ll face challenges with this kayak, as it wasn’t developed to withstand very high waves. Further, there isn’t sufficient storage space to place fishing gear in. These are all things you need to think about if this kayak has caught your eye.
Summary
For the average paddler, the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak happens to be a worthwhile recreational kayak. It comes with the fundamental features you would expect from a fairly small boat, and it isn’t that expensive, either. If you’re not prepared to spend too much money on high-end equipment, then this vessel should be considered.
Do you see yourself as a recreational, beginner, or professional paddler? Determining what your paddling capacity and skills are – in conjunction with the things you want to achieve when on the water – will help you narrow down the boat that’s best for your needs.
