Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS

Size and Weight 

The Bali 10 SS measures 9 feet 6 inches / 291 cm in length, 29.5 inches / 75 cm in width, and stands at a height of 15.75 inches / 40 cm. 

It weighs 44 lbs / 20 kg, and while it isn’t the lightest kayak of this size in the market, you can still easily handle it solo whether you are loading it onto your car or launching the boat. 

The weight is comparable to other recreational sit-on-top kayaks of the same length such as the Perception Rambler 9.5 which weighs 47 lbs / 21 kg but significantly more than the Pelican Argo 100x which weighs 36 lbs /16.3 kg. 

Capacity

The Bali 10 SS has a maximum payload of 250 lbs / 113 kg, which is the same as the Perception Rambler but a little less than the Pelican Argo which can take 275 lbs / 125 kg. 

Still, that’s plenty of room for a smaller paddler and some gear, but if you load the Bali 10 with any more than 200 lbs / 91 kg, the performance could be significantly impacted. 

Features

This kayak is made of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is designed to take a beating and will stand up against years of use. However, the hull can still get scratched if it is dragged so you might need a hull guard to prolong its lifespan. 

At the tip of the bow is the first t-handle for easy carrying and transportation, as well as a drain plug to remove any excess water that might have found its way into the kayak. Right behind that is a small storage area where you can store and secure small bags. 

Small Craft Cruising

Further down the kayak, you’ll find a water bottle holder that can be secured with bungees. On each side, there are two adjustable foot braces to suit paddlers of different heights. 

Small Craft Cruising

In front of the seat is a small, circular watertight hatch for you to store your valuables, as well as a couple of trays and a cup holder. The circular hatch isn’t completely watertight, so you can only store things that you don’t mind getting wet. 

Small Craft Cruising

The seat’s backrest is padded and adjustable so you can change the angle of your seat. However, it doesn’t come with a seat bottom, so if you are particularly sensitive to sitting for long periods on hard surfaces, you might have to get some additional cushioning. 

Along each side of the cockpit is a small storage area with netting that can be used to stow small stuff that you don’t mind getting wet. 

Behind the seat is a large, watertight storage compartment that can be secured with a removable bungee tie-down system. The compartment also contains a circular hatch for a separate storage area.

Small Craft Cruising

The interesting thing is that this whole compartment can be easily removed using the rubber-lined handle. Once you remove it, you can use the tankwell to store other items like dry bags and use the bungees to secure them. The compartment can then be towed behind the kayak or stored somewhere else.

Small Craft Cruising

Performance 

The Bali 10 SS is a stable, sturdy boat that will make a good companion for a beginner angler or those just starting to dabble in kayak fishing.

It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles and it has average tracking and maneuverability. It doesn’t handle rough waters too well and would be best used on a lake or gentle river. 

It does tend to nose-walk, especially in heavier winds and larger waves. Despite its flat bottom, it has an excellent glide which makes paddling a breeze. 

In addition, there are no scupper plugs included for the scupper holes, so you’ll have to get them separately or get your butt wet each time the yak fills with water.

There are also no side carrying handles for you to lift the kayak side to side instead of only front and back. 

Overall, the Bali 10 SS is sturdy, reliable, and durable, making it an excellent beginner kayak. More advanced kayakers and keen anglers would probably need more storage and features, but for someone that wants a casual jaunt around a lake for a few hours, this kayak will do just fine.