Sun Dolphin Aruba SS Review

The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS is a lightweight 8-foot one person sit-in kayak that is perfect for lazy days paddling down the river or lake.

With a solid polyethylene construction, this kayak was made for calm water conditions and is a great recreational kayak for fishing, bird watching and touring.

Designed with the beginner in mind, the Sun Dolphin Aruba SS comes with a large cockpit for a full range of motion that doesn’t feel cramped or confining.

Thanks to the spray collar, a paddler won’t get nearly as wet when lifting the paddle up for the next stroke or in case wind happens to come up cause the water to spray over the paddler.

Our Review of the Sun Dolphin Aruba SS Kayak

Design

Large cockpit for comfortability.

Features

Needs a little practice to gain stability.

Material

Solid polyethylene construction.

Price

Inexpensive and durable.

THINGS WE LIKED

• Weighs 27 pounds, easy to carry, transport and lift onto a car rack or in the back of an SUV.
• Plenty of space within the hull of the kayak and on the deck for day trips and excursions.
• The molded-in drink holder allows the paddler to have their drink close at hand.
• Available in two colors of baby blue and orange.
• Convenient carrying handles to lift the kayak.
• Well placed drain plug to empty water content out after use.

THINGS WE DID NOT LIKE

• The molded-in plastic seating doesn’t offer much support for the physically impaired.
• There aren’t any foot pegs for feet to go to keep the paddler balanced or to get proper paddling alignment.

Features of Sun Dolphin Aruba SS Sit-in Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Aruba sits close to the water allowing the paddler to dig in the paddle and cut through the water with ease.

The Aruba SS is designed with a narrow bow that slices through the water instead of plowing that allows the paddler to go great distances without feeling tired.

Let’s discuss the features in details.

Construction

The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS is constructed out of rugged UV high-density polyethylene making the kayak strong and resistant to scratches, dings, and dents.

This kayak can take a bit of abuse from unseen debris under the water to light bangs while in transit without damaging the kayak or cracking the structure.

Tracking and Stability

Due to the lack of foot pegs, a paddler may find it a bit difficult to steer and control.

However, this Sun Dolphin kayak responds well to body jesters and can turn easily with the help of the proper paddle placement. Being 28” in width helps the steering and stability of the Sun Dolphin.

The hull is “V” shaped allowing for the kayak to drift through the water and keep steady when paddling.

Loading

This kayak can hold up to 260 pounds of weight making it great for quick trips out on the water.

It won’t hold much gear as far as fishing supplies or camping gear for extended trips, but for day outings it is the perfect size and weight.

Comfort

The cockpit is 19” wide making it easy for exit and entry and the height is 16” for added space and comfort.

The Sun Dolphin seat is molded-in and does provide a padded adjustable back piece but no padded bottom which may become uncomfortable for long periods out on the water.

Conclusion