The ongoing debate between sit-on-top and sit-inside kayaks has been around for ages, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Even after deciding on the type of kayak, I often get stuck deciding which one to purchase.
Thankfully, I had the help of our expert team of kayakers and paddlers who were onboard in crafting this review. Among the best sit-inside kayaks on the market, the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak is a popular choice.
To assist those in need, we’ve written a review of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10. After reading my review, you’ll have a complete understanding of this vessel and its features.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Features – Quick Overview
- Spacious Cockpit which let you easily move around
- Very stable while maneuvering
- 40 lbs in weight
- Dry storage hatch and bungee storage system
- Durable hull design
- UV resistant
- Carrying handles
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Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Review:
In this review, I will cover different sections of the Aruba 10 kayak to give a complete picture of the product. Our expert team of kayakers and paddlers were onboard in crafting this review.
Specification:
- 10 Feet in length
- 30 inches in width
- 40 lbs in weight
- 250 lbs weight capacity
- Single person sit in kayak
- UV-stabilized Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene
- Dry storage hatch
- Carrying handles
PROS:
Durability:
The Aruba 10 kayak is made from high-density polyethylene, making it highly durable. It can withstand all kinds of hurdles in the water and endure hits from rocks. While there may be dents on the shell, the breach is very strong. Furthermore, the kayak comes with a 2-year warranty.
Big Cockpit:
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 has a roomy cockpit, providing enough space for the paddler. Its spacious cockpit makes it a perfect beginner’s kayak as it feels less enclosed. Moreover, it provides enough freedom for the paddler to move around and not feel closed in.
Stability and Tracking:
The stability of the kayak is achieved through the distance from the centerline of the kayak, and the Aruba 10 has a flat bottom with a width of 30 inches. The kayak’s whole width and flat bottom help it stay very stable even in rough water, making it suitable for beginners.
As for tracking, the narrow bow and stern of the Aruba 10 help it track well. The narrow bow and stern slice the water instead of pushing it, enhancing the vessel’s tracking and speed. This engineering is not found in any other badly designed kayaks. The kayak’s weight of just 40 pounds also makes it sit on the water lighter and increases its tracking ability.
Transportation:
Getting your kayak to or from the water can be tiring work. The same goes for the Aruba 10, which requires a car top carrier or truck bed to transport it from one place to another. However, its weight of 40 pounds won’t add much weight to your vehicle.
Weight Capacity:
Most light-weight kayaks have low weight capacity. However, the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, which means you can store some important gear in it, but it is not designed to carry a lot of stuff.
Storage Space:
As the kayak is designed for recreational paddling, there isn’t much storage space. However, there is adequate storage for a day of paddling. There is one sealed dry hatch on the back of the cockpit, which can be used to store all the gear you want to protect from water.
On top of the dry hatch, there is a bungee cord that can be used to tie up additional gear. The kayak also includes bungee cord paddle holders at the side, a water bottle holder with a bungee cord at the front of the cockpit.
Comfort Level:
The Aruba 10 excels in comfort. It has a high backrest that adds to your comfort level, and foot braces in different locations so you can paddle with ease as per your convenience. Moreover, it features a built-in spray deflecting collar that helps you stay dry while paddling.
Easy to Maneuver:
The kayak’s 10-foot-long hull and 30-foot width give it extra stability in the water, making it a perfect kayak for beginners. Additionally, its lightweight makes it easy to maneuver in the water.
Durable hull:
The Aruba 10 is made from high density polyethylene, which makes it highly durable and UV resistant. It can be used on both fresh and salt water and requires little maintenance.
Versatile:
The kayak is suitable for paddling in flat waters and small waves.
Lightweight:
The Aruba 10 is easy to transport due to its light weight and carrying handle.
Sit-inside design:
The kayak’s sit-inside design makes it suitable for all seasons and weather conditions. A sprayskirt can be used to keep the paddler dry and warm.
Cons:
Non-padded seats:
The seats of the Aruba 10 are not padded, which may be uncomfortable for long periods of kayaking. External padding can be added, but it is not included.
Limited storage:
The kayak has only one small compartment for storing dry items, which may not be sufficient for some users. The cockpit size may also be too small for taller users or anglers.
Not suitable for high waves:
The Aruba 10 is not designed for use in high tides or large waves.
No fishing features:
The kayak does not have any fishing rod holders or other features specifically designed for fishing.
Tips for potential buyers:
- Consider your intended use: The Aruba 10 is a recreational kayak designed for fun on lakes and rivers, not fishing.
- Check the weight capacity: The kayak has a limited weight capacity, so make sure to only bring necessary gear.
- Be aware of the seat design: The non-padded seats may be uncomfortable for some users, so consider adding external padding if needed. Taller users may also want to check if the cockpit size is suitable for them.
Conclusion – Should I buy Aruba 10?
This is the complete review of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-Inside Kayak. I have covered all the specifications, features, pros, and cons so that you can make an informed decision. If you are a beginner looking to get into kayaking, then this is the perfect kayak for you.
Now that you have all the information about the product, feel free to leave your queries in the comment box. Our experts will help you decide whether it is wise to invest in the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 or not.
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