Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS

Size and Weight 

The Journey 10 SS measures 10 feet / 291 cm in length, 29.5 / 75 cm in width, and stands 15.75 inches / 40 cm in height. It weighs 44 lbs / 20 kg, which makes it easy for one person to transport and carry.

Journey 10 SS is about the same length and width as another popular Sun Dolphin fishing kayak, the Excursion 10, but it is slightly heavier than the Excursion which weighs 41 lbs /19 kg. 

However, the Journey is still relatively lightweight compared to other fishing kayaks like Ascend’s 10T which weighs 67 lbs / 30 kg. 

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Capacity

The Journey’s maximum payload is 250 lbs / 113 kg, which is the same as the Excursion but significantly less than the Ascend 10T’s maximum of  325 lbs / 147 kg.

Nevertheless, the Journey’s capacity is more than enough for a medium-sized paddler and some fishing or camping gear. However, larger paddlers that are gear-heavy might be better off with a kayak with a greater payload. 

If you load the Journey 10 SS to more than 200 lbs / 91 kg, you might notice a distinctive reduction in speed and performance. 

Features

Like all Sun Dolphin kayaks, the Journey 10 SS is made with rugged, UV-resistant high-density polyethylene that is known for its durability and will last for many years. However, to prolong its lifespan, you can still apply UV protectant and marine sealant at the start and end of each kayaking season.

At the tip of the bow is the front carrying t-handle for you to easily transport and lift the kayak. Beside it is a drain plug for you to remove excess water that might have gotten into the kayak’s hull. 

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Just behind it is the bow storage area where you can secure dry bags or spare life jackets with the included bungee tie-down system. 

Towards the stern in the cockpit are two adjustable foot braces to suit kayakers of most heights. In between the foot braces is a water bottle holder that can be secured with a bungee. Beside it is the mount for the 360-degree swivel rod holder that comes with the kayak. 

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Behind the rod holder towards the stern is another cup holder and a circular water-resistant hatch for you to stash valuables within easy reach. Note that this hatch isn’t waterproof, especially if you are taking in loads of water. 

Along the gunnels are padded knee or thigh pads for you to rest your legs and cushion them from the sides of the kayak. 

In front of the seat on both sides are tray areas and more storage areas for you to stow small things like tackle, snacks, and other knick-knacks. 

The seat has a padded backrest that can be adjusted to suit the angle of lean you want to sit in. However, the seat doesn’t have a bottom, so if you want more comfort, you can add additional padding or modify the seat. 

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On both sides of the kayak are bungee-corded paddle park systems where you can stow your paddle when it isn’t in use. Note that this kayak doesn’t have side carrying handles. 

Behind the seat are two flush-mounted rod holders that don’t have lids, so you’ll have to tip out your kayak at the end of the day to get rid of the water. The good thing is that they are not through-hull, so the water will stay in the rod holders and out of the inside of the kayak. 

Further along towards the back is the removable, portable stern storage container with another waterproof circular hatch. Unlike the front hatch, this one is completely watertight, and the container can be secured with the included bungee tie-down system. 

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There’s a rubber-lined handle to remove the entire system, and once out, you can tow the container behind your boat or store it somewhere else on the kayak. Once removed, you can use the tankwell to stash other things like tents and dry bags. 

At the very back is the second carrying t-handle as well as an additional drain plug. Depending on each retailer, the Journey 10 SS can come with a basic two-piece aluminum paddle. 

Performance 

The Journey 10 SS is no high-performing kayak and gives an average performance, but at this price point, some imperfections are to be expected.

First, the scuppers can fill with water especially if the kayak is loaded, so you might spend a bit of time sitting in water. Secondly, the seat isn’t that comfortable, especially on long days, so you might have to upgrade your seat or get some additional padding unless you want a sore butt.

This kayak can also be difficult to track, especially for beginners. However, the speed is above average for a kayak this size. It can feel tippy for beginners but is actually fairly stable on flat water. Despite that, it can still take a while to get used to the stability and tracking.