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Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak Review
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Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Kayak Review Review Facts
If you are an enthusiast for water sports, you are going to absolutely love the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10’ sit-in kayak. There are plenty of unique features that this kayak provides and our review is going to give you an in-depth look at what it has to offer consumers.
The hull has been constructed of a durable UV stabilized Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene. The high back, the adjustable seat will afford you a comfortable ride. As well as foot braces that can also be modified to your preference.
As an added convenience, you will find handles on the sides in which to transport/store kayak with ease. Additionally, there is a place to store your water bottle so you can stay hydrated while out on the water.
The following review will give you all the pertinent information you need to know about the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
The back compartment of kayak fits a small pet
Wide cockpit makes entry and exits simply
Seat adjusts forward and backward
Ample storage room for supplies
Easy to handle
Beginners/intermediate user-friendly
Cons
Does not come with a paddle
Hooks on the boat were broken
Comes with very few accessories
Accessories
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 kayak comes with very little accessories, not even a paddle. However, there are two versions available to purchase — there is the Aruba 10 and Aruba 10ss. Rumor has it that the Aruba 10 ss model does come with a paddle. Either way, this kayak is equipped with a place to store your paddle—whether it comes with one or not.
The accessories this kayak does come with are a leash, foot braces, a comfy seat, and protective pads for the thighs. It also comes furnished with a distinct and detachable P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier), which can be utilized as an additional area to store things. There is a console that can be used for electronic equipment as well as another storage compartment. Additionally, there are shock cords for deck rigging and carrying handles that can be folded up, as well as a receptacle to place your paddle.
The accessories this kayak does come with are a leash, foot braces, a comfy seat, and protective pads for the thighs. It also comes furnished with a distinct and detachable P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier), which can be utilized as an additional area to store things. There is a console that can be used for electronic equipment as well as another storage compartment. Additionally, there are shock cords for deck rigging and carrying handles that can be folded up, as well as a receptacle to place your paddle.
Materials
The Aruba 10 is constructed of a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material for extreme durability as well as resistance from impact. This HDPE material ensures that whatever you will outlast whatever you may come across. The Fortiflex material used to reinforce this kayak also provides added protection against UV rays.
One of the negative aspects of the use of HDPE is that it does not result in a very smooth exterior finish. Even though this kayak is durable, it is not very aesthetically pleasing. On a positive note, the material used to construct it makes it light — weighing about forty pounds.
This makes for simplicity in carrying it from your car to the water’s edge. This buoyancy also makes launching it into the water easy. In addition to being lightweight and durably constructed, this kayak is easy to repair
One of the negative aspects of the use of HDPE is that it does not result in a very smooth exterior finish. Even though this kayak is durable, it is not very aesthetically pleasing. On a positive note, the material used to construct it makes it light — weighing about forty pounds.
This makes for simplicity in carrying it from your car to the water’s edge. This buoyancy also makes launching it into the water easy. In addition to being lightweight and durably constructed, this kayak is easy to repair
Capacity
There are several areas for storage in which you can store a few water bottles, sunblock, and other necessary supplies for your ride down the river.
There is a storage area in the rear (secured by a bungee cord). One person even used this storage area for their pet cat to ride in; he fit comfortably inside and loved it!
The downfall with regard to the storage compartment is that it can be difficult to access when you are in the water. Also, the compartment is not water-tight and may leak. However, there is a bungee bottle holder—which is fairly simple to access in the front of this boat.
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 has a 250-pound weight capacity and fits a maximum of one person inside it. It is 30 inches (0.76 m) wide and 120 inches long. This is the ideal kayak if you plan to make a day of it out on the lake. With all this storage space available you will be able to store plenty of supplies to keep you sustained the entire day.
There is a storage area in the rear (secured by a bungee cord). One person even used this storage area for their pet cat to ride in; he fit comfortably inside and loved it!
The downfall with regard to the storage compartment is that it can be difficult to access when you are in the water. Also, the compartment is not water-tight and may leak. However, there is a bungee bottle holder—which is fairly simple to access in the front of this boat.
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 has a 250-pound weight capacity and fits a maximum of one person inside it. It is 30 inches (0.76 m) wide and 120 inches long. This is the ideal kayak if you plan to make a day of it out on the lake. With all this storage space available you will be able to store plenty of supplies to keep you sustained the entire day.
Waterproof
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 is not as waterproof as it could be. If you go out in a river that is extremely rugged and wavy, be prepared to get wet! Water will get into the hatch easily, so if you want to stay near the shoreline in this case scenario takes place.
To ensure that your kayak does not leak water, there are a few things you can do. First, you should check all the screws and make sure they are tightened down completely. Just checking the screws regularly is a proactive way you can assure they have not become loose since the last time you were out in the water. These screws can become loose just by regular usage. The act of paddling a kayak puts a strain on the joints in places where they connect to the plastic shell of your kayak.
Another good way to make sure your kayak is waterproof is to check for leaks or holes. Check the seams of the kayak for any signs of abuse or wear. If there is the slightest hole, no matter how small it can cause your boat to fill up with water and ruin your fun. Using a drytop or drysuit that has a tunnel for the sprayskirt is imperative because it prevents water from getting inside your boat.
By following these tips, you should be able to keep your kayak waterproofed; and preserve the life of it as well. A little bit of proactive care is all it takes to ensure many seasons of fun in the water.
To ensure that your kayak does not leak water, there are a few things you can do. First, you should check all the screws and make sure they are tightened down completely. Just checking the screws regularly is a proactive way you can assure they have not become loose since the last time you were out in the water. These screws can become loose just by regular usage. The act of paddling a kayak puts a strain on the joints in places where they connect to the plastic shell of your kayak.
Another good way to make sure your kayak is waterproof is to check for leaks or holes. Check the seams of the kayak for any signs of abuse or wear. If there is the slightest hole, no matter how small it can cause your boat to fill up with water and ruin your fun. Using a drytop or drysuit that has a tunnel for the sprayskirt is imperative because it prevents water from getting inside your boat.
By following these tips, you should be able to keep your kayak waterproofed; and preserve the life of it as well. A little bit of proactive care is all it takes to ensure many seasons of fun in the water.
Comfort
The inside of this watercraft is surprisingly comfortable. It has a cockpit that is big enough so that you can easily get inside and out without any difficulty. The seat has a high back, which gives the additional support required for those long hours spent on the water.
The seats and leg straps can be modified to meet the individuality of your desired seating position. As an added bonus, there is even a built-in spray collar that deflects the water from spraying on you. This ensures you remain as dry as possible.
However, even with all these positive “pros” about the style of this water vessel, there are always going to be some “cons”. One of which is that if you are above average height, there is not going to as ample space available for you and storage will be limited. The reason for this lack of storage is because there is a compartment behind the seat that is no larger than a shoebox, tall people will need to adjust the seat, making this compartment shrink even smaller.
Also, this lack of space in the cockpit is going to make it less user-friendly if you plan on fishing in this boat.
The seats and leg straps can be modified to meet the individuality of your desired seating position. As an added bonus, there is even a built-in spray collar that deflects the water from spraying on you. This ensures you remain as dry as possible.
However, even with all these positive “pros” about the style of this water vessel, there are always going to be some “cons”. One of which is that if you are above average height, there is not going to as ample space available for you and storage will be limited. The reason for this lack of storage is because there is a compartment behind the seat that is no larger than a shoebox, tall people will need to adjust the seat, making this compartment shrink even smaller.
Also, this lack of space in the cockpit is going to make it less user-friendly if you plan on fishing in this boat.
Style
The style of the hull of the Aruba 10 kayak is the “V” hull. In short, this means that is bow and stern are sharper at the ends. This shape of the hull permits the kayak to have a more efficient method of cutting through the water. This “V” hull also allows for it to move much more swiftly.
This kayak is one of the “sit-in” styles. This style of kayak is excellent for getting you from one point to the next. The narrow hull ensures you keep on target as it effortlessly slices through the water. The buoyancy of this watercraft is what gives it such a remarkable tracking ability.
In addition, the maneuverability of the Aruba 10 is that which you would expect from a pricier model than this.
This kayak is one of the “sit-in” styles. This style of kayak is excellent for getting you from one point to the next. The narrow hull ensures you keep on target as it effortlessly slices through the water. The buoyancy of this watercraft is what gives it such a remarkable tracking ability.
In addition, the maneuverability of the Aruba 10 is that which you would expect from a pricier model than this.
Durability
This water vessel made by Sun Dolphin has been constructed of ruggedly durable material. Watercraft that is made from this high-density, polyethylene (HDPE) material is guaranteed durable. However, they can also be heavy with a meager endurance against UV damage.
However, this brand of the kayak also uses a reinforcement material called “Fortiflex”. This material gives this watercraft the additional UV stabilizing action required to protect it from damage. The only downfall with HDPE is that it does not give the boat an aesthetically satisfying appearance. Though it is very durable, it does not have a very smooth finish.
However, this brand of the kayak also uses a reinforcement material called “Fortiflex”. This material gives this watercraft the additional UV stabilizing action required to protect it from damage. The only downfall with HDPE is that it does not give the boat an aesthetically satisfying appearance. Though it is very durable, it does not have a very smooth finish.
Use
The Aruba 10 kayak is recommended for use in a relaxed cruising mode. However, you can take it out on the faster rivers and even some rapids. When you first use this kayak, it may seem a bit on the wobbly side. However, things start to improve once it gets going, and you will also notice an advancement in the tracking.
As you gain experience kayaking, you will recognize that the shorter kayaks have better control. This is also true with the Aruba 10. You are going to love how easy it is to use. It maneuvers excellently and gives you the power and skill of accuracy and precision.
This excellence in performance and ease in use is mostly due to the wider cockpit instilled in this sit-in model of kayak. However, the wider cockpit can make you lose some of the speed that boats with slimmer cockpits have. This is a small price to pay in exchange for exceedingly efficient control and maneuverability.
When you first purchase a kayak, you need to check the stability of it. The way you do this is to locate the tipping point. The tipping point is discovered when you lean to one side as far as you can until it wants to tip over. This boat is excellent for the beginning kayaker because of the stability it provides when using it.
This kayak is built to cater to a specific user base—from beginning to intermediate. It performs excellently on all types of water; particularly on flat waters such as ponds and lakes. This kayak will even work well on Class II Types of rivers. Best of all, this is a kayak that is meant for the recreational use of the casual paddler.
As you gain experience kayaking, you will recognize that the shorter kayaks have better control. This is also true with the Aruba 10. You are going to love how easy it is to use. It maneuvers excellently and gives you the power and skill of accuracy and precision.
This excellence in performance and ease in use is mostly due to the wider cockpit instilled in this sit-in model of kayak. However, the wider cockpit can make you lose some of the speed that boats with slimmer cockpits have. This is a small price to pay in exchange for exceedingly efficient control and maneuverability.
When you first purchase a kayak, you need to check the stability of it. The way you do this is to locate the tipping point. The tipping point is discovered when you lean to one side as far as you can until it wants to tip over. This boat is excellent for the beginning kayaker because of the stability it provides when using it.
This kayak is built to cater to a specific user base—from beginning to intermediate. It performs excellently on all types of water; particularly on flat waters such as ponds and lakes. This kayak will even work well on Class II Types of rivers. Best of all, this is a kayak that is meant for the recreational use of the casual paddler.
Weather Resistance
This kayak is built to withstand the weather and all its elements. Customers rave about how this kayak can be left outdoors in the elements for over six months with no fading or broken parts. This ability to withstand the elements is due to the UV inhibitor called Fortiflex. This UV inhibitor enables the kayak to be alright when it is left out in the heat of the sun.
At the rear end of the boat is a storage compartment. The compartment is held down with a shock cord and it is not completely waterproof. Any of your gear that you do not want to get wet should be placed in a dry bag for extra protection from the water.
At the rear end of the boat is a storage compartment. The compartment is held down with a shock cord and it is not completely waterproof. Any of your gear that you do not want to get wet should be placed in a dry bag for extra protection from the water.
Price
The price of the Aruba 10 kayak is affordable to even the tightest budgets. If you are searching for a kayak that will last a couple of summers, then this is the one.
If the kayak you choose is a sit-in one; you are making a good choice. The Aruba 10 is fairly-priced and perfect for beginners; it will get you from point A to point B safely. You are going to get a bang for your buck when you spend on this wonderful water vessel.
If the kayak you choose is a sit-in one; you are making a good choice. The Aruba 10 is fairly-priced and perfect for beginners; it will get you from point A to point B safely. You are going to get a bang for your buck when you spend on this wonderful water vessel.
Key Features
Built-in storage compartment
Large open cockpit
Has an adjustable seat that is padded
The seat has a high back support
Foot braces that are adjustable
Made from durable UV-stabilized High-Density Polyethylene
Has handles for ease in carrying
Has a place to store your water bottle
Shock cord deck rigging
Excellent usage in both lakes and rivers
Has a leash to keep your paddle stable
Large open cockpit
Has an adjustable seat that is padded
The seat has a high back support
Foot braces that are adjustable
Made from durable UV-stabilized High-Density Polyethylene
Has handles for ease in carrying
Has a place to store your water bottle
Shock cord deck rigging
Excellent usage in both lakes and rivers
Has a leash to keep your paddle stable
Bottom Line
The bottom line regarding the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 is that it is an excellent choice for the beginning kayaker. Also, it's an ideal choice for children just getting into the sport. It can be transported simply due to it being extremely lightweight.
You will also like how outstanding the performance is when using this kayak. It makes maneuvering easier and tracks satisfactorily. Although it may not be the fastest on the lake; you will feel safer because of its excellent stability factor.
You will also like how outstanding the performance is when using this kayak. It makes maneuvering easier and tracks satisfactorily. Although it may not be the fastest on the lake; you will feel safer because of its excellent stability factor.
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