Is this a good kayak

[Largemouth21]

Has anyone used the sit on top sun dolphin Bali 12 foot kayak? What do you think about it? Is it a good value?

[bholtzinger14]

It will leave you wanting to upgrade as fast as you can, but it will get you out on the water. 

 

At the least try to get a kayak with an elevated seat. About the cheapest one I have ran across are some used Pescador Pros for $500-600. Next best bang for your buck is a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 at right under a $1000 (but comes with rudder and paddle). Make sure to include a life jacket (I have the NRS Chinook and love it). 

[Largemouth21]

Is it ok for a beginner who has never kayaked before. I have a canoe that is heavy slow and tracks terrible and has hard plastic seats with no back rest so it will be an improvement. All the reviews say it's decent FOR THE MONEY.

3 hours ago, bholtzinger14 said:

It will leave you wanting to upgrade as fast as you can, but it will get you out on the water. 

 

At the least try to get a kayak with an elevated seat. About the cheapest one I have ran across are some used Pescador Pros for $500-600. Next best bang for your buck is a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 at right under a $1000 (but comes with rudder and paddle). Make sure to include a life jacket (I have the NRS Chinook and love it). 

 

[dwh4784]

Looking at pictures of that, I don't know how they call it a SOT. It's a SINK with an open cockpit. I'd take my Old Town Vapor 10 Angler any day over that one. If going SOT, you need to be up higher, preferably with a more comfortable seat. The cheap molded plastic ones will leave you wet and annoyed IMO.

[Largemouth21]

So you recommend the Old Town Vapor... I will look into that one thanks.

17 hours ago, dwh4784 said:

Looking at pictures of that, I don't know how they call it a SOT. It's a SINK with an open cockpit. I'd take my Old Town Vapor 10 Angler any day over that one. If going SOT, you need to be up higher, preferably with a more comfortable seat. The cheap molded plastic ones will leave you wet and annoyed IMO.

 

[Turkey sandwich]

There are some decent entry level options, but almost any that isn't comfortable to fish out of will make you frustrated.  Good general stability and a good, comfortable seat that adjusts can make a big difference.  Secondary, to me, are features fitting the bodies of water you're fishing.  Those are things like maneuverability, speed, and general width. Almost any angling kayak now can be outfitted with a decent amount of gear, but stowing space and weight limits should also be taken into consideration if you also plan on using it for camping.  

 

My suggestion - check for used or demo models. Last year I picked up a Lure 13.5 for something like $800 after all of the discounts for a model that was just used for a few weekends of demos.  

[VolFan]

For under $500 I would look for an outfitter near you that has a rental fleet. They turn those boats over every few years.  They're rentals, so they get some abuse, but look around a little and check if they have any they're letting go after the season. Show up with cash.

[MassYak85]

On 12/27/2016 at 6:02 PM, bholtzinger14 said:

 

At the least try to get a kayak with an elevated seat. 

^ THIS

 

I don't care if you're fiteen or fifty. If you have one of those sit on tops with a small foam pad for a seat you will get sore after hours on the water. If you just plan on going out for a couple hours here and there it might not be a big deal but if you plan on launching and doing a day of fishing, definitely find one with a good seat. 

[BrianSnat]

Sun Dolphin makes low cost, low quality boats.  I lived in a lake community for many years where people kept their boats on the shore.  You could pick out the Sun Dolphins, Colemans and Pelicans from a distance because the hulls were terribly warped after a few seasons.

[jr231]

I have a 10 foot sun dolohin..

Dude it comes with front and rear storage. 2 rear rod holders and another one that pivots that Is positioned between your legs..It's 43 pounds , you can pack it by yourself without a trolley .  it has a bungee system on both sides you can hang your paddle up using only one hand. For the money you will not get a better kayak and that's a fact. Get yourself a bleacher cushion and you'll be good for hours.. feeling sore ? Pull up to the shore and eat a sandwich that you stored in your waterproof rear compartment .. stretch and continue on your "journey"

 

Bunch of negative Nancys. You will not get a better one for the money... Think about your own life.. are you a kid in school. ? Are you grown and have a family ? Young adult in college ? any of those and money will be tight.. unless you're 18-30 living with your parents. Or have a really good job.. Then you might have the money to spend 1000 dollars on a kayak 

 

 

If not, the sun dolphin is a good choice. I own one and would buy one again.. would I like a nicer one ? Sure ? But wouldn't we all like a nicer car/house/boat etc... 

 

In life you need to make due with the hand you are dealt.. and i catch fish in my sun dolphin. No matter what anyone has to say about it, the only negative there is ; is you can't stand up. 

 

If you're on a budget and can afford this one then buy it. Get off the bank and find some bass you couldn't reach without it. 

[Largemouth21]

9 hours ago, Yeajray231 said:

I have a 10 foot sun dolohin..

Dude it comes with front and rear storage. 2 rear rod holders and another one that pivots that Is positioned between your legs..It's 43 pounds , you can pack it by yourself without a trolley .  it has a bungee system on both sides you can hang your paddle up using only one hand. For the money you will not get a better kayak and that's a fact. Get yourself a bleacher cushion and you'll be good for hours.. feeling sore ? Pull up to the shore and eat a sandwich that you stored in your waterproof rear compartment .. stretch and continue on your "journey"

 

Bunch of negative Nancys. You will not get a better one for the money... Think about your own life.. are you a kid in school. ? Are you grown and have a family ? Young adult in college ? any of those and money will be tight.. unless you're 18-30 living with your parents. Or have a really good job.. Then you might have the money to spend 1000 dollars on a kayak 

 

 

If not, the sun dolphin is a good choice. I own one and would buy one again.. would I like a nicer one ? Sure ? But wouldn't we all like a nicer car/house/boat etc... 

 

In life you need to make due with the hand you are dealt.. and i catch fish in my sun dolphin. No matter what anyone has to say about it, the only negative there is ; is you can't stand up. 

 

If you're on a budget and can afford this one then buy it. Get off the bank and find some bass you couldn't reach without it. 

Although I think some are actually trying to be nice, most people don't understand that I don't have a huge budget to spend on a piece of plastic that floats. I don't need a 600$+ kayak just something simple to get me around. Thank you. 

 

 

[MassYak85]

Also OP, are you dead set on a sit on top? I know I'm in the minority on this one but I feel for the lower price range of kayaks a sit-in can potentially be better suited for fishing than the lower end sit on tops. 

[bholtzinger14]

This just came across my feed. Join kayak groups on facebook near your area.

 

[bholtzinger14]

[bigfruits]

go used with a comfortable seat.

[Largemouth21]

3 hours ago, bholtzinger14 said:

This just came across my feed. Join kayak groups on facebook near your area.

 

 

3 hours ago, bholtzinger14 said:

Thanks I will check that out.  those are good deals but Texas is a looong drive from MI haha

23 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

Also OP, are you dead set on a sit on top? I know I'm in the minority on this one but I feel for the lower price range of kayaks a sit-in can potentially be better suited for fishing than the lower end sit on tops. 

I like sit on tops better I feel like they're easier to fish out of and also safer. But I could be flexible if I saw the right price  

[bholtzinger14]

I'm not telling you to drive to tx. I'm just saying be on the lookout and have cash ready to act.

I'm not telling you to drive to tx. I'm just saying be on the lookout and have cash ready to act.

[Turkey sandwich]

On January 1, 2017 at 2:42 PM, bholtzinger14 said:

I'm not telling you to drive to tx. I'm just saying be on the lookout and have cash ready to act.

I'm not telling you to drive to tx. I'm just saying be on the lookout and have cash ready to act.

This this is excellent advice.  I belong to several groups for outdoor hobbies and regularly see posts for great gear, just used at some pretty crazy pricing.  These types of groups are EXACTLY where you should start.  I'm not shitting on the idea of buying a $600 boat so much as saying that there's no reason to buy a $600 boat you'll likely become uncomfortable with when you could be be savy and get a used $1,000 boat for $600-700 that you'll enjoy for a long time.   

[Preytorien]

Check out Vibe Kayaks - great for the money, a cult like following, and insanely good customer service. 

[bholtzinger14]

3 hours ago, Preytorien said:

Check out Vibe Kayaks - great for the money, a cult like following, and insanely good customer service. 

 

That is what I have and they are very nice for the money. Are there better kayaks.....Yes, but out the door for under a grand with a paddle and rudder that is a great price.