Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS Review 2025: Honest Analysis After Testing
I'll be straight with you - my first time out on the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS ended with me exhausted and spinning in circles on a calm lake.
After spending three months testing this budget fishing kayak and talking to dozens of other owners, I've discovered it's both better and worse than most reviews suggest.
This review covers everything I learned: the serious tracking problems, surprising stability issues, essential modifications, and who should (and shouldn't) buy this kayak.
Let's start with the verdict upfront, then dive into the details.
Quick Verdict: Is the Journey 10 SS Worth It?
Quick Answer: The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS is worth buying ONLY if you're a beginner under 200 pounds who will exclusively fish small, calm lakes and don't mind constant steering corrections.
Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS - Budget Entry-Level Option
- Lightweight design
- Affordable price
- Good storage
- Easy modifications
- Poor tracking
- Stability concerns
- Scupper leaks
- Quality issues
Weight: 44 lbs
Length: 9.5 feet
Capacity: 250 lbs
Material: HDPE
The Journey 10 SS offers an affordable entry into kayak fishing at $250-320, making it one of the cheapest sit-on-top fishing kayaks available.
However, this low price comes with significant compromises that affect every aspect of performance.
Best For: Absolute beginners on tight budgets fishing protected waters under ideal conditions.
Skip If: You weigh over 200 pounds, plan to fish rivers or open water, or value tracking performance.
Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS Specifications & Overview
Quick Answer: The Journey 10 SS measures 9'6" x 29.5" with a 250-pound capacity, though real-world performance drops significantly above 200 pounds with gear.
| Specification | Details | Real-World Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 9 feet 6 inches | Too short for good tracking |
| Width | 29.5 inches | Stable but slow |
| Weight | 44 pounds | Easy one-person carry |
| Capacity | 250 pounds | 200 lbs realistic maximum |
| Material | High-Density Polyethylene | Durable but flexible |
| Rod Holders | 1 swivel, 2 flush mount | Basic but functional |
| Storage | Rear tank well, dry compartment | Compartment lid very tight |
| Price Range | $250-$320 | Often on sale at big box stores |
What's included in the box is minimal - just the kayak itself. No paddle, seat cushion, or scupper plugs.
You'll need to budget an additional $50-100 for essential accessories just to get started.
The manufacturer's 250-pound weight capacity is technically accurate but misleading. Once you add fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment, anyone over 200 pounds will experience stability issues.
Design & Build Quality: Where It Shines and Falls Short?
Quick Answer: The Journey 10 SS features basic but functional design elements with notable quality control issues, particularly around the scupper holes and storage compartments.
Hull Construction and Materials
The rotomolded polyethylene construction provides decent durability for the price point.
After dragging mine across gravel launches and rocky shorelines for three months, the hull shows scratches but no structural damage.
However, the thin material flexes noticeably when you stand or shift weight, contributing to the stability concerns many users report.
Rod Holders and Fishing Features
The three rod holders work adequately for basic fishing needs. The swivel rod holder behind the seat adjusts easily, while the two flush-mount holders keep rods secure during paddling.
I found the flush mounts too shallow for heavy rods - my medium-heavy bass setup bounced out twice before I added pool noodle sections for extra grip.
Storage Solutions
The rear tank well holds a milk crate or small cooler securely with bungee cords. The dry storage compartment sounds great in theory but proves frustrating in practice.
Multiple users report needing a screwdriver to pry open the hatch - mine required 10 minutes of wrestling the first time.
After 20 uses, it's slightly easier but still requires excessive force.
The Scupper Hole Problem
Here's what Sun Dolphin doesn't tell you: the scupper holes leak water INTO the hull, not just drain it out.
This creates uneven weight distribution that worsens the already poor tracking.
Standard scupper plugs don't fit properly - the holes measure an odd size between common plug dimensions. I spent $25 testing three different plug sets before finding ones that mostly work.
On-Water Performance: The Good, Bad, and Frustrating
Quick Answer: The Journey 10 SS offers acceptable performance in perfect conditions but becomes frustrating and potentially dangerous in wind, current, or choppy water.
The Tracking Nightmare
Let me paint you a picture: paddle three strokes forward, and the kayak immediately turns right. Stop paddling to cast, and you're spinning in a slow circle within 30 seconds.
This isn't an exaggeration - it's the universal Journey 10 SS experience.
The short length and wide beam create a kayak that simply won't track straight. In even light wind, you'll spend 60% of your energy just maintaining direction.
After a 4-hour fishing trip, my arms ached from constant correction strokes rather than actual paddling.
Stability: A Mixed Bag
Initial stability feels decent when you first sit down. The 29.5-inch width provides a stable platform for calm water fishing.
However, secondary stability - what keeps you upright when leaning or in waves - is virtually non-existent.
One user on Reddit described dumping in the middle of a lake when a boat wake hit them sideways. Another reported their kayak filling with water through the scuppers, making it dangerously unstable.
I tested the stability limits carefully and found it acceptable up to 1-foot waves, but anything larger feels precarious.
Speed and Efficiency
Don't expect to cover much distance quickly. The Journey 10 SS tops out around 3 mph with steady paddling.
Factor in the constant steering corrections, and your actual forward progress drops to 2 mph or less.
For reference, I can maintain 4 mph in a Lifetime Tamarack 100 with less effort.
Suitable Water Conditions
After extensive testing, here's where the Journey 10 SS actually works:
- Small ponds: Under 20 acres with wind protection
- Calm lakes: Early morning before wind picks up
- Slow rivers: Minimal current, no rapids
- Protected coves: Sheltered from wind and boat traffic
Avoid these conditions completely:
- Open water with wind above 10 mph
- Rivers with noticeable current
- Any coastal or tidal waters
- Lakes with regular boat traffic
- Water temperatures below 60°F (capsizing risk)
Common Problems & Essential Modifications
Quick Answer: The Journey 10 SS requires $50-200 in modifications to address tracking, comfort, and water intrusion issues that should have been fixed at the factory.
Fixing the Tracking Problems
While you can't completely solve the tracking issues, these modifications help significantly:
Add a rudder kit ($80-150): This is the single most effective upgrade. Several aftermarket rudder kits work with the Journey 10 SS.
Installation takes 2-4 hours but transforms the kayak's handling.
Install a skeg ($30-50): A clip-on skeg provides some tracking improvement without the complexity of a rudder. It won't solve the problem entirely but reduces the constant veering.
For detailed modification instructions, check out this kayak modifications and upgrades guide that covers universal improvements applicable to the Journey 10 SS.
Solving Scupper Hole Leaks
The non-standard scupper holes require creative solutions:
- Marine Goop sealant: Apply around plug edges for watertight seal ($8)
- Universal plugs: Harmony Gear universal plugs with rubber gaskets work best ($15-20)
- Permanent solution: Some users permanently seal rear scuppers with marine epoxy
I eventually sealed the two rear scuppers permanently and only use the front ones for drainage. This significantly improved weight distribution and tracking.
Seat and Comfort Upgrades
The molded seat becomes uncomfortable after 30 minutes. Essential upgrades include:
A stadium seat cushion ($25) provides immediate relief. Secure it with zip ties through the drain holes.
For longer trips, invest in an aftermarket kayak seat with back support ($40-60).
Storage Accessibility Fixes
That impossible-to-open storage hatch needs attention:
Sand the lid edges lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Apply silicone spray to the gasket monthly.
Some users drill a small finger hole in the lid for easier opening, though this compromises water resistance.
Better Alternatives to Consider
Quick Answer: For $50-100 more, several kayaks offer significantly better performance without the Journey 10 SS's fundamental flaws.
Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS
The 12-foot version costs about $50 more but tracks noticeably better. The extra length improves speed and direction-holding while maintaining the affordable price point.
If you're committed to Sun Dolphin, spend the extra money for the Journey 12.
Lifetime Tamarack 100
At $350-400, the Tamarack 100 offers superior tracking, better stability, and included paddle holders. The UV-resistant polyethylene holds up better over time.
Most importantly, it actually goes where you point it.
Pelican Sentinel 100X
Priced similarly at $300-350, the Sentinel 100X includes a comfortable seat, better rod holders, and acceptable tracking. The twin-arched multi-chine hull provides more secondary stability.
It's still a budget kayak but without the Journey's deal-breaking flaws.
⚠️ Important: If you can afford $100 more than the Journey 10 SS price, you'll get a dramatically better kayak that won't frustrate you every time you use it.
Should You Buy the Journey 10 SS?
Quick Answer: Only buy the Journey 10 SS if you meet ALL these criteria: under 200 pounds, exclusively fishing small calm waters, extremely tight budget, and willing to make modifications.
Who Should Buy
The Journey 10 SS works for very specific users:
- Absolute beginners: Learning basic kayak fishing skills on protected water
- Lightweight anglers: Under 180 pounds with minimal gear
- Pond specialists: Fishing small bodies of water under 10 acres
- Budget-constrained buyers: Cannot stretch budget even $50 more
Who Should Avoid?
Skip the Journey 10 SS if you are:
- Over 200 pounds: Stability becomes marginal with gear weight
- River fishing: Current makes tracking problems dangerous
- Covering distance: Inefficient hull design exhausts you quickly
- Wanting longevity: You'll outgrow this kayak within a season
Where to Buy?
Big box stores like Walmart, Tractor Supply, and Academy Sports regularly stock the Journey 10 SS. Prices fluctuate between $250-320 depending on sales.
Check Facebook Marketplace for used options - many frustrated owners sell after a few uses, often under $200.
For those ready to explore kayak fishing properly, this complete guide to fishing from a kayak covers everything from basic techniques to advanced strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS track well?
No, the Journey 10 SS has poor tracking due to its short 9.5-foot length and wide 29.5-inch beam. It constantly veers right and spins when you stop paddling, requiring continuous steering corrections.
What's the real weight capacity of the Journey 10 SS?
While rated for 250 pounds, the realistic capacity is 200 pounds including gear. Users over 200 pounds report stability issues, especially with fishing equipment added.
Can I use the Journey 10 SS in the ocean?
Absolutely not. The Journey 10 SS lacks the stability, tracking, and safety features for ocean use. It's designed only for calm, protected waters like small lakes and ponds.
What modifications are essential for the Journey 10 SS?
Essential mods include scupper plugs ($15-25), a seat cushion ($25), and ideally a rudder kit ($80-150) to improve tracking. Budget $50-200 for necessary upgrades.
Is the Journey 10 SS or Journey 12 SS better?
The Journey 12 SS is significantly better due to improved tracking from its longer length. The extra $50 cost is worth it for reduced frustration and better performance.
Why does my Journey 10 SS leak water inside?
The scupper holes are poorly designed and allow water to enter the hull. Non-standard sizing means regular plugs don't fit properly. Most users need to seal rear scuppers permanently.
Final Verdict
After three months and dozens of fishing trips, I can't recommend the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS for most anglers.
The constant battle against poor tracking, stability concerns in mild conditions, and quality control issues make it frustrating rather than enjoyable.
Yes, it's cheap. But when you factor in essential modifications ($50-200) and the likelihood you'll upgrade within a year, that initial savings evaporates quickly.
If you absolutely cannot spend more than $300 and only fish tiny ponds, it barely serves its purpose. For everyone else, save another $50-100 for a kayak that actually works.
The Journey 10 SS taught me an important lesson: in kayak fishing, buying twice costs more than buying right once.
For those considering fish finders for their kayak setup, check out this guide to the best fish finder for kayak fishing to maximize your success on the water.