Sun Dolphin Excursion 10

Size and Weight

The Sun Dolphin Excursion 10 measures 10 feet / 292 cm in length, 29 inches / 74 cm in width, and stands at 14 inches / 36 cm in height. The size of the cockpit is 17 inches x 35 inches / 43 cm x 89 cm. 

It weighs 41 lbs / 19 kg, which is almost the same as another popular Sun Dolphin kayak, the Aruba 10 which weighs 40 lbs / 18 kg. However, the Excursion 10 is significantly lighter than other competitor models such as the Perception Rambler which weighs 47 lbs / 21 kg. 

Capacity 

The Sun Dolphin Excursion 10 has a maximum payload of 250 lbs / 113 kg, which is the same as the Perception Rambler but a tad less than the Aruba 10 which can take up to 280 lbs / 127 lbs.

However, if you load the Excursion 10 to more than 200 lbs / 91 kg, you might notice a distinctive decrease in performance especially when it comes to speed and maneuverability. 

Features

Sun Dolphin uses rugged UV-resistant Fortiflex high-density polyethylene for all its boats which means they are remarkably durable and can take a beating. 

However, you’ll still need to exercise caution when dragging it over rough surfaces, and you might want to use some marine sealant on the hardware to waterproof it more.

At the bow is a sturdy carrying t-handle for easy transporting and handling. Further back on the kayak is a bottle holder that has a bungee tie-down for your beverage on the go. 

At the front of the cockpit on the coaming is an articulating rod holder that can swivel 360 degrees. On the sides of the coaming are also two thigh pads to protect your legs from knicks and dings when you’re in the cockpit.

On the starboard side of the cockpit on the exterior is a paddle park system where you can stash your paddle with a bungee cord when not in use. Inside the cockpit are two adjustable foot braces that can suit paddlers of varying heights. 

The seat has a padded backrest whose angle is adjustable for you to tailor how much you want to lean forward or back. However, the seat doesn’t have a padded bottom, so you might need to get some extra padding separately if you want more cushioning for comfort. 

Just behind the seat are two back-facing, flush-mounted rod holders. Towards the stern is a back storage area whose cover is secured by a removable bungee tie-down system that goes onto j-hooks. This storage area is a water-resistant compartment and is not fully waterproof. 

Unlike some other similar kayaks in the Sun Dolphin fleet like the Fiji 10 and the Bali 10 SS, the back storage compartment cannot be completely removed for some extra storage space. 

At the very back, you’ll find a drain plug and the second carry t-handle. Although it depends on the individual retailer, the Excursion 10 typically does not come with a paddle. 

Performance

The beginner angler will love the durability of the Excursion 10, which performs best in calm lakes and gentle rivers.

This lightweight, easy to carry design makes loading it in a car or launching it a breeze, while the kayak’s spacious, open cockpit makes entries and exits easy.

The kayak is not the fastest, but it is relatively stable, tracks well, and is decent at maneuverability. However, because of the lack of a seat bottom, long days can result in you having a sore butt. 

You might want to acquire some extra padding or cushioning for more comfort, especially if you have a particularly sensitive rear end! 

There are a total of three rod holders in the Excursion 10 which is more than other recreational kayaks of this size. Whether you want to go out for a casual paddle or cast a couple of lines, this kayak will get you to where you want to go.