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Hi Folks. Haven't posted anything in a long long time. For the record I will be 67 in a few months and I am looking at buying my first Kayak later in the spring. I have a very limited budget for this purchase. Sadly I have been reduced to looking at the low end of the kayak cost spectrum. So my question today is for those that have a Sundolphin destin 10.4 are have owned one in the past. What are the good and the bad points of this yak? How stable is it? Etc.?
If you are long legged those grooves are very uncomfortable. The seat pan will hold water (splash from paddle or from getting in and out if you wade). The seat also locks one into a single position, fine for 1-2 hour trips, but any longer and it becomes uncomfortable to me. I much prefer an elevated seat model. I've seen many sun dolphin that vary a lot in shape (twisted/warped/bent) while in the store. Plastic seems softer than other brands. I've never paddled one.
Thank You for your reply. I was a bit skeptical of the dolphin that I listed. Partly because of price and in part because of where it is being sold. LOL I looked at a larger model sun dolphin and it is only about $80.00 more. I suppose I will just have to wait a little longer.
I have a sun dolphin (cant remember model i have right now), but regret getting it. It feels cheaply made compared to my others and will tip over if a fly lands on one end of the paddle. I got it for a cheap kayak for friends to use on creeks just for short fun paddling trips. A fishing model may be somewhat better, but i would still wait for a better boat if you can.
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I don’t own one but the ones I’ve looked at seem more like something kids use to play with in a pond .
I suggest you look for a good used one.
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I don't own that model But do have a Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS Sit-On Angler Kayak Olive. I purchased this kayak on sale for $200 and I use it for river and small water trip where I have to carry it to places that don't have access/ramp.
The kayak is not very stable for me (59 year old and 220 pound ) but is usable if you can keep your weight centered. I do plan to add some home made outriggers to stabilize it for my use. I have two very nice fishing kayaks but there are those times this kayak comes in handy. Check out some of the videos on Youtube about adding outriggers to a kayak. It would be great if all had a pocket full of money but most don't and these cheaper kayaks can but useful if rigged right for your use.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sun-Dolph...BoCJpQQAvD_BwE
Watch the sales at places like Academy or Dick’s in the spring, or closer to Memorial Day. You can usually get a lot more kayak for the same money.
I've got a sun dolphin. Works for what I give for it. It's a sit in. Excursion 10. Bottom of the barrel for fishing yaks but works. Thatd be my biggest suggestion, get the angler variant. Rod holders go along way, and I've fished out of both. Was less than 250$ at the same big box store your looking it seems..
I have owned several different brands of sit on tops. The ones i had with the sit on the floor style were very hard to get up from after a long time of sitting. If you look around all the better brands are going with the elevated type chairs and that makes a world of difference. I would not buy anything less than 12 foot long. This gives you better tracking and more glide with each paddle stroke not to mention stability
To the op, I unfortunately can't give a review as no experience with the model. Agree with angler1 but but keep in mind that with length and width you will gain great stability but will also add major weight that is larger and more cumbersome to handle. Can it be done, sure but sometimes not easily. A lot of pros and cons.
Agree, mine is 10’ but fits good in my truck. Any longer would require a bed extension or rack or maybe even trailer. Quite happy with my length and I’ve already found my next 10’ dream kayak. Old town topwater PDL
I would recommend looking on Facebook Marketplace and Criagslist for a good used kayak. I have bought used kayaks (Nu-Canoe, Native Ultimate, Wilderness Ride 135 and Perception Pescadore all fine kayaks) for not much more than you are going to pay for the Sundolphin maybe less. Be patient, check every Facebook and Craigslist every day. I would highly recommend the Native Ultimate sit in for its stability and weight.
The Native Ultimate is what I believe to be my dream yak.Quote:
Originally Posted by flintcreek
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I'm 64 and love seat on top and HATE SEAT INSIDE KAYAK !
I Do jug lines ,limb lines and spider ring with rods.
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Seat on top will not take on water . Seat in will not use anymore they take on water in ruff weather or bass boats.Quote:
Originally Posted by ET Fish
A GREAT SEAT !!!!! IS A MUST FOR A LONG DAY OF FISHING.
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I gotta disagree. Both can take on water..if say sit on(especially the cheaper ones) are the worst. The ones I've seen all have open scupper holes in the gunnel. My buddy's has 2 under his seat..hes always wet. I second the seat deal tho..hes right it can become unbearable pretty quickly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan petrie
Try both at a kayak rental on the lake and just have fun. Like buying a car . Ask lots of questions.
GET A ( GREAT SEAT FOR SURE )
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