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Outdoor Expert

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Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS Review

November 11, 2018 by Outdoor Expert

• Editor Rating
• Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS
• Reviewed by: Outdoor Expert
• Published on: November 11, 2018
• Last modified: November 11, 2018
• Build Quality Editor: 82%
• Storage Capacity Editor: 85%
• Comfort Editor: 82%
• Stability Editor: 82%
• Maneuverability Editor: 86%

Many kayaks available at low and intermediate price points are simple vessels, which lack the features most modern anglers want. They rarely provide enough storage space, they’re generally quite heavy for their size, and they are usually designed for general use – the manufacturer will simply throw on a few “fishing” accessories to make it suitable for anglers.

However, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS bucks this trend, and provides anglers looking for an affordable kayak with a capable and fishing-ready option. Equipped with all of the things most anglers need, the Journey 12 SS deserves serious consideration from beginning and intermediate paddlers.

• Plenty of storage space for your gear and tackle
• Adjustable seat back and foot braces allow you to customize the craft to your body
• Remarkable stability for its size and price
• Tracks and handles well for such a reasonably priced kayak
• Lightweight and easy to carry to and from the water
• Probably not stable enough to permit standing
• No skid plate is included to protect the hull from rocks and gravel
• The plastic may soften and deform at very high temperatures
• The cargo areas are spacious, but quite triangular, which may make it difficult to carry coolers or other items
• No rudder or skeg is included to improve tracking ability

Build Quality

Like most other Sun Dolphin models, the Journey 12 SS is made in the USA from UV-stabilized high-density polypropylene. This provides it with the durability you’d want in a kayak, without causing the vessel to weigh any more than necessary.

However, it does lack a skid plate, so you’ll be wise to launch and land with caution. Unfortunately, some anglers reported that the vessel walls would soften in hot weather, which allowed the seat back rivets to slip free of the cockpit walls.

Storage Capacity

The Journey 12 SS provides enough storage space to accommodate a reasonable amount of gear and tackle. Two flush-mount rod holders are situated behind the cockpit, while a swivel-style holder is positioned in front of the seat.

It features a fairly spacious cargo area at the front of the craft, which includes bungee cords to keep your gear secure and a twist-lock hatch to store even more tackle. Additionally, like many of the better Sun Dolphin kayaks, the Journey 12 SS comes with the Personal Accessory Carrier – a removable floating compartment, which can be towed alongside the vessel.

Like most other sit-on-top kayaks, the Journey 12 SS provides plenty of room for most anglers. Both the leg braces and the padded seat are also adjustable, which allows you to customize the craft to fit your body. Thigh pads are mounted on both sides of the seating area to protect your legs, and the storage areas are all situated in places that are convenient to reach.

Despite only being 29.5 inches wide, the Journey 12 SS is stable enough that you can cast and retrieve or access the various storage compartments without fear of tipping.

Very few anglers reported being confident enough to stand up while fishing, but brave souls may try to do so. The craft has a listed capacity of 395 pounds, which will help keep even large anglers floating high in the water.

Maneuverability

Most anglers reported that the Journey 12 SS handled surprisingly well in the water. It tracks better than most other kayaks at this price range, and it doesn’t get blown around very much on the water.

Most kayakers found that it was easy to paddle in the Journey 12 SS and reasonably high speeds could be reached. And because it only weighs 48 pounds and comes equipped with retractable carrying handles at the bow and stern, most anglers found it easy to carry the Journey 12 SS to and from the water.

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is obviously not suitable for those who want high-end features, such as pedal-drive systems or transducer-compatible scuppers, but it is a very good choice for anglers who are looking for a functional and fishing-friendly vessel.

It provides a very generous amount of storage space, including Sun Dolphin’s patented Portable Accessory Carrier, which you can remove and tow alongside the vessel. It is light for its size, so it is easy to launch and land, and it provides a surprising amount of stability for such an affordable and narrow kayak.

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Journey 12 SS

This Product Has Been Discontinued

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Journey 12 SS Description

The Journey 12 SS is great for lakes and rivers and to get to those excluded fishing spots and tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability. Features two flush mount and one swivel fishing rod holders.

Journey 12 SS Specs and Features

• Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
• Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
• Seating Configuration: Solo
• Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
• Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Additional Attributes

• Storage and shock cord deck rigging
• P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) can be used as extra storage
• Large, comfortable seating area with protective thigh pads
• Adjustable Foot Braces
• Retractable carrying handles
• Paddle Holder

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS Reviews

Read reviews for the Journey 12 SS by Sun Dolphin as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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I use this kayak for fishing…

I use this kayak for fishing in the Mississippi sound. I have flipped way too many times in this thing when there are no waves at all. Fishing is almost impossible, and the hull is shredded from dragging on sand. The lowest point is by your but so it gets soaked, and it doesn’t have scupper holes by it. I’ve had it for 3-4 years and I’m going to sell it to get something better.

Not happy with it. The clips…

Not happy with it. The clips that hold the straps that hold the seat backrest upright the third time that I used it. I even bought a cover for the kayak in order to keep direct sunlight off of it.

Easy to load and not too…

Easy to load and not too heavy. Open fishing Kayak so it's easy to get in and out. I rigged a couple of extra rod holders because it only had one in the center that I use for a drink instead. For the price it's been adequate for my 6 to 10 times of fishing from a kayak per year. stable.

The Journey 12 SS is a…

The Journey 12 SS is a decent entry level sit on top kayak. It's fairly stable and tracks alright in the water. It's fairly light weight and has a decent amount of storage. I purchased mine from a local retailer and had very little scrapes on the bottom, other than that it was in great condition. I took it out once and had fun, but ended up returning it to the retailer. Below is why.

I'm a pretty large individual weight wise, 5'10" at 300 lbs. This Kayak is rated to a maximum capacity of 395 lbs. The capacity rating is why I picked this budget friendly kayak.

However, having a rating of 395 lbs. and sitting a 300 lb. person in the seat causes this kayak to sit really low in the water at the back and high in the air in the front. While this wasn't a deal breaker for me, it did cause it to be a lot more at the mercy of the wind. I feel that having the seat moved towards the center might have helped this a bit but that would make it difficult to reach the rear storage and fishing pole holders.

Many people have complained about the seat being the lowest part of the cockpit and that your rear end gets wet. This is true, but to me this wasn't an issue for me. I expect to get wet while kayaking.

However as a big guy the seat was horrendous. Not the bottom part but the back support!. In the semi reclined position you put a lot of pressure on the back support and being as big as I am, I caused the back rest to go all the way reclined. Sure I could have tied knots in the webbing but the height of the back still caused issues supporting me.

Overall this kayak is a good one and most of my issues are more because of me not being a good fit for the kayak, this is why I give it a 4/5 rating. This might work better for someone around 250 lbs.

Some suggestion for the manufacturer would be a slightly elevated seat that is more centered with a more rigid back, easier access to the front storage space.

I started with a 10 foot Sun…

I started with a 10 foot Sun Dolphin sit in as a starter kayak after several years of canoes and jon boats due to having kids, needing the extra seats/capacity. I have owned this kayak from the beginning of spring and outfitted it with 2 extra pole holders for depth/fish finder and camera mounts. I also installed a storage box behind the saddle with 4 pole holders. I have plenty of storage and carrying capacity for a short weekend trip. It is very stable while standing and tracks well during rowing, I cant wait until my wife wants to upgrade so we can both enjoy a weekend camping.

When deciding on which Kayak…

When deciding on which Kayak would best suit my needs, I used Paddling.com to compare the many options that were available. I decided on the Journey SunDolphin 12 SS because it offered both covered and open storage, rod holder, and paddle holders, it was a sit on which was needed and the price was affordable. This kayak steers easily in both calm and choppy water and I felt secure when paddling in the latter. It's maneuverable and I'm able to load it onto my SUV roof with just a bit of effort. (I'm a 58 yr old woman) . The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I wish it had additional handles on it for dragging and loading.

This is a great starter boat…

This is a great starter boat that accommodates a person over 6' tall and over 200 lbs. It has adjustable foot pads and plenty of storage for day trips or overnighters. Center console has a port great for mounting your electronics (or anything) and puts the device right in front of you for easy access. The rod holder can serve 2 purposes (hold poles or outriggers). I purchased a box ( sits between rod holders ) with rod holders so if I want to take more than 2 rods for different fishing styles and also lets me install outriggers when I take my dog out hunting or just for ride, just undo front bungee that opens up an area for my dog to lay or sit without falling off the boat. The boat tracks well and does not take a lot of energy to propel.

Have had a few problems with…

Have had a few problems with the kayak.At least tracking is better than average.I'm in the process of ordering an anchor quick release system,and anchor float for it for safety sake.I added two handles port and starboard as the kayak didn't come with them(you'd think Sun Dolphin could've added them)I put on my own anchor trolley system,with anchor.The lettering(Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS)is peeling off on it's own possibly from moisture/water splashing on it.I'll just peel it off.You'd think the boat was made in China,cheaply made.Otherwise,it gets me in the water.I almost returned it to buy a better kayak because the seat,the worst part of it,is very uncomfortable.I bought my own seat which is much better.I bought it because the price seemed right,$359.You get what you pay for.Altogether it's just a little less than average.

This is a terrible kayak for…

The journey 12ss is a good…, purchased this kayak at…, i rated this boat a ten…, being new to fishing and…, i purchased the sun dolphin…, first, let me start by saying…, i ordered this kayak thru…, not a bad beginner kayak, but…, my wife and i recently bought….

We review Inflatable Kayaks, Recreational Kayaks,Sit on Top Kayaks, Sea And Touring Kayaks, Fishing Kayaks and we also offer guides for beginners.

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS Fishing Kayak Review

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS Sit On Top Kayak is a slightly larger version of the Journey 10 SS fishing kayak. In addition to being a slightly longer fishing kayak at 12 ‘, the Journey 12 SS also loses a half-centimeter width by 29 1/2 “compared to 30’ ‘ by the 10 SS kayak. It’s only 4 lbs heavier at 48 lbs, but increases capacity from 250 lbs to 395 lbs. Thus, if you are looking for extra capacity and extra legroom, then Journey 12 SS is definitely worth the upgrade compared to the 10 SS kayak.

Apart from weight and size, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is practically identical to the 10 SS, with the same pros and cons. Because it is a little longer, it provides better tracking, but stability is still an issue. It is a decent kayak for beginners who want to fish in lakes or ponds and could even cope with calm rivers.

For comfort, the Journey 12 SS has adjustable leg straps, thigh pads, and a padded seat that provides decent back support. The chair is obviously not the most comfortable on the market, so some adjustments may be needed if you plan to spend hours fishing. This particular fishing kayak has a decent amount of front and rear storage space, and the portable accessory stand can be used for extra storage if you really need to bring extra equipment. The retractable carrying handles on this kayak are useful, but it’s a good thing that it’s not that heavy because there are no side-carrying handles.

As the Journey 12 SS is a fishing kayak, it has two mandatory rod mounts mounted on the back of the seat and swivel support for the front fishing rod. A convenient paddle stand takes care of your paddle while you operate the rods and using it requires only one hand, which is also nice. This particular kayak is by no means perfect and there are a lot of things about it that could have been improved, but it is still a good choice for first-time buyers on a tight budget. It will take you out on the water and fishing until you are ready to give extra money for an upgrade. We recommend you buy it online from amazon.com

Many kayaks that are available at low and intermediate prices are pretty much simple vessels, which lack the features that most modern fishermen want. They rarely provide enough storage space, are generally quite heavy for their size, and are usually designed for general use – the manufacturer will simply throw away a few “fishing” accessories to make it suitable for fishermen. However, Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS supports this trend and offers fishermen looking for an affordable kayak with a capable and ready-to-fish option. 

• Lots of storage space for equipment and gear
• The seat backrest and adjustable straps allow you to customize your boat according to your body
• Remarkable stability for its size and price
• Easy and convenient kayak to transport to and from water
• No skid plate is included to protect the hull from stones and gravel
• The plastic can soften and deform at very high temperatures
• No rudder or cloth is included to improve tracking ability

Build quality

Like most other Sun Dolphin models, the Journey 12 SS fishing kayak is made in the US from UV-stabilized high-density polypropylene. This ensures the desired durability in a kayak, without causing the ship to weigh more than necessary. However, a skid plate is missing, so you will be wise to launch and land carefully. Unfortunately, some fishermen reported that the ship’s walls would soften in warm weather, which allowed the rivets on the seat back to slide freely off the cabin walls.

Storage capacity

Journey 12 SS provides enough storage space to accommodate a reasonable amount of equipment and gear. Two recessed mounting rod supports are located at the rear of the cab, while a pivot-style support is positioned in front of the seat.

It has a fairly spacious loading area at the front of the boat, which includes bungee cords to keep your equipment safe. More so, like many of the best and well known Sun Dolphin kayaks, the Journey 12 SS comes with a Personal Accessory Carrier – a removable floating compartment that can be towed alongside the ship.

Like most other sit-on-top kayaks, the Journey 12 SS offers plenty of room for most anglers. Both the leg straps and the padded seat are also adjustable, allowing you to customize the craft to fit your body. Thigh pads are mounted on both sides of the seating area to protect your feet, and storage areas are all conveniently located.

Despite being only 29.5 inches wide, the Journey 12 SS is stable enough that you can throw and pick up or access the various storage compartments without any fear of tipping over. Very few fishermen have reported that they are confident enough to stand up while fishing, but brave souls may try to do so. This kayak has a listed capacity of  395 pounds, which will help keep even large fishermen afloat in the water.

Maneuverability

Most fishermen reported that Journey 12 SS did surprisingly well in the water. More so, it tracks better than most other fishing kayaks at this price range. Most kayakers found that it was easy to paddle in Journey 12 SS and that reasonable speeds could be reached. And because it weighs only 48 kilograms and comes equipped with retractable bow and stern transport handles, most fishermen found it easy to transport Journey 12 SS to and from the water.

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is obviously not suitable for those who want state-of-the-art features such as pedal-operated or transducer-compatible sweeper systems, but it is a great choice for anglers looking for a functional and fishing-friendly vessel. It offers a very generous amount of storage space, including the patented Sun Dolphin accessory portable stand, which you can pull out and pull alongside the ship. It is light in size, so it is easy to launch and land and offers a surprising amount of stability for such an accessible and narrow kayak.

• Brand: Sun Dolphin
• Model: Journey 12 SS
• Type: Sit-On-Top
• Color (s): Sand, olive
• Length: (ft / cm) 12 ‘/ 366cm
• Width: (in / cm) 29 1/2 “/ 75cm
• Height: (in / cm) 14 “/ 36cm
• Weight capacity: (lbs / kg) 395 lbs. / 179 kg
• Cabin size: (in / cm) N / A
• Hull Material Polyethylene
• Number of people: 1
• Inflatable: No
• Saltwater friendly: No.
• Adjustable chair: Yes
• Rod holders: 3
• Adjustable leg straps: Yes
• Paddles included: No
• Other items included: None

Customers Questions and Answers

Question: Would this be a good kayak for a beginner?

Answer: While this kayak might be ideal for a beginner, you will need to consider how it will be used. For a fisherman, it would be a great boat for beginners/intermediates. But it is not very wide and stands a little high, so it is not as stable as others. But for flat water and/or for users who are okay with a little lower stability, it is a very good choice.

Question: Does the kayak come with a seat cushion as shown in the pictures?

Answer: Yes, it comes with a thin seat cushion and adjustable backrest.

Question: Is this a two-piece hull or a mono hull?

Answer: one-piece mono hull

Question: Is it made in the USA?

Answer: Yes, it is made in the USA

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Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss

• Spec ifications s

Journey 12 ss

Sun dolphin.

We began our adventure in 1982 as a small family owned business that made a single two person pedal boat. Since then we have grown to become North America’s leading manufacturer of kayaks and outdoor recreational products. Despite our growth, we are proud to still manufacture our products in that same small town along the beautiful sunset coast of Lake Michigan. Like us, our home town of Muskegon MI has grown some over the years but that friendly, small town feel still remains. We’re proud of our home and we’d like to share some of that small town spirit with you.

• Visit Website
• 231-733-2725
• View all Sun Dolphin Products >
• Ideal for lakes and rivers and to get to those excluded fishing spots
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability

Available Colours

Features & specifications.

• Model Year: 2019
• Category: Kayaks
• Kayak Type: Fishing
• Paddlesport: Kayaking
• Number of Paddlers: Solo
• Structure: Rigid or Hard
• Propulsion: Paddle
• Best Used For: Fishing
• Intended Waterway: Lakes, Ponds & Inshore

Specifications

• Length: 12' 0" / 364 cm
• Width: 30.75" / 78 cm
• Weight: 48 lb / 22 kg
• Capacity: 395 lb / 179 kg
• Primary Material: Thermoform Polyethylene
• Seat: Molded
• Rigging: Rod Holder(s), Cup Holder, Carry Handles

More From Sun Dolphin

Marquette 10 angler sit-in, mackinaw ss, sportsman 14 ss, excursion 10, marquette 10 angler sit-on, journey 10 ss, what users are saying, leave a review, we think you’ll like, catch cooler, basin boat lighting, paddlebird™ fully loaded brightbird™, gt175 top loading geartrac™ 4'', mariner sails, berleypro fish finder visor, switchpad™ flexible surface mount, co-pilot knife, zulu iguide, visibility kit ll w/ miniport tracmount, catch-all universal airless cart, mirage outback, mirage lynx, mirage compass.

Kayak Angler is the world's leading kayak fishing magazine and the number one source for fishing kayak reviews, rigging and tactics for saltwater and freshwater species, plus industry news and fishing reports on what's biting near you.

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The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Fishing Kayak

• With a length of 12’, this kayak is a good compromise between speed and maneuverability and with a width of 29.5”, it is a reasonably stable fishing platform, it is really hard to flip over and tanks to its special lowered seat area it is very easy to get back in.
• It has a very comfortable seating system that is also height adjustable, it includes adjustable foot braces, and it has a stand assist strap.
• Plus, the outfitting is absolutely top notch and it has a paddle keeper to keep your paddle from driving you crazy when you are fishing.
• Also, it has sufficient dry storage space with a hold in both the bow and the stern, a tank well, and it is available either with or without a rudder.
• With 58 lbs of weight, this kayak is on the light side, which makes it easy to handle by one single person.
• Its lowered sat design gives a lower center of gravity which drastically increases the overall stability while sitting or standing.
• With a length of 12’, this kayak is less maneuverable than shorter kayaks in the 10’ range
• Other than that, the only problem I have with this kayak is that the 29.5” width it won’t be very comfortable for larger people to get in and out.

Bottom Line

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Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss Review

​Today we’re going to talk about one our favorite beginner kayaks with our Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss review. Let us begin by saying, this the perfect budget yak for getting out in the water as a newbie.

Nobody wants to shell out close to a grand for something they’ll be using once every other month. Sun Dolphin is known for manufacturing an array of lightweight and inexpensive water crafts and the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss is one of the best in our opinion.

While it isn’t anywhere near being the Lamborghini of the lake, it does hold some awesome features that many veteran kayakers wouldn’t even notice at first glance.

Luckily for you, we’ve done our research and found that the Sun Dolphin 12 ss can offer a fishing experience that competes with higher quality brands.

Come with us on this journey our fellow yakkers and let’s get to the bottom of what makes this Sun Dolphin 12 ss a sweet craft.

​ Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss Review

Specifications

• ​12’ in length
• ​29.5” in width
• ​48lbs in weight
• ​395lb capacity
• ​High density polyethylene build
• ​Great at tracking
• ​Solid amount of onboard storage space
• ​Comfortable and adjustable seat with foot braces
• ​Very easy to transport
• ​Durable high density polyethylene design
• ​Difficult to maneuver because of length
• ​No built-in scuppers
• ​Not very stable for its size

Features and Benefits

Construction.

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss is made from an ultra strong high-density polyethylene material as with most other higher end kayaks. It also comes combined with a Fortiflex material that is UV resistant. This is very beneficial if you want to be able to keep your kayak outdoors for longer periods of time without worrying about the possibility of sun damage. Not only that, it adds strength to the deck of the kayaks, which gives you the ability to take this out in harsher conditions than a flat lake. At 12ft. long, we were pleasantly surprised to find out how lightweight this vessel is. Anyone could easily throw this over their shoulder and bring it down to the water without fuss.

>> View the Product Page & Current Pricing <<

While it doesn’t provide the same amount of storage space as a high-end fishing kayak, there is definitely enough onboard storage to get a good start. There are essentially two main storage areas onboard the Journey 12 ss, the dry storage compartments and the portable accessory carrier. The dry storage compartment is near the front of the hull and is just big enough to stick in your essentials such as your phone, keys, wallet, etc. You’ll notice that right above this you have a built-in bungee area on deck that can also be used to tie things down that you don’t mind getting a bit wet. There is another storage area in the stern that it is a bit bigger and is also built to keep things dry. This area also has a built-in bungee system to make sure things are securely tied down.

Having a comfortable seat on a kayaking adventure is extremely important. Many cheap kayak manufacturers fail to prioritize that when building their vessels. Luckily, the seating on the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss is pretty comfortable. The seating area itself is pretty wide, so it works for people of all shapes and sizes, and even comes with thigh pads to keep you protected in rougher conditions. Being a sit-in kayak, you’ll have your legs in the prone position for long periods of time. These thigh pads are helpful You can easily adjust the back rests and foot

rests as well, which provides tons of versatility depending on the user. While the padding is comfortable on shorter trips, we would highly recommend in investing in some extra padding if you have a bad back. Lastly, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss comes equipped with adjustable foot braces to help keep your body locked tight and in place while you’re paddling. They have a very long range so that you’ll be able to adjust for a full grown adult or a small child. Oh yea, we might as well thrown in that they have a small cupholder in front of the seat because who doesn’t like a cold one out on the lake?

Rod Holders

There are a couple rod holders located conveniently around the vessel. There is one right in the center in front of the seat with a nice swivel design for maneuverability and comfort. If there was any one feature of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss that sticks out more from others, it’s that swivel holder. The other two are flush mount rod holders that are located behind the seat that make it easy to reach back and adjust fishing reels in a pinch These are excellent in that you have the ability to put out three different rods and really optimize your fishing capabilities. While many people are seen modifying these with extra PVC pipe to increase the length, we believe they are plenty deep enough to safely and securely hold your rods, even on rougher waters.​

Transportation

​The guys over at Sun Dolphin added two convenient handles on the sides to help carry this thing down to the water and get it into position. The fact that it is so lightweight makes it a piece of cake to carry as well. There are not many other vessels that we can think of that are this size and this light. They did a great job in terms of cutting back the density but keeping it strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of water is the sun dolphin journey 12 best suited for.

The first thing that you should know is that this kayak has excellent speed. To make it simple, the combination of the length and small width make this spear of a kayak cut through water with ease. Because of this, you won’t have to worry about rougher conditions slowing this thing down or creating tons of waves under the kayak. That being said, the short width can make issues for stability if you are out in rougher waters and aren’t being careful. There are many reviews of people talking about their multiple experiences tipping. All in all be careful if you’re taking it out in the chop. As for lakes, this vessel is perfect. You can really get going at good speeds on calm waters. Just make sure that there aren’t many tight quarters around, as maneuvering this thing through tighter turns can be a major pain. One of the last things we’d like to add is the fact the Sun Dolphin Journey comes in an array of natural colors. This means that if you decide to go fishing in darker lakes where the water is a bit murkier than usual, you’ll find that its camouflage capabilities kick in nicely.

Can you modify this kayak?

Absolutely! You’ll want to be careful though, as modifying one of these kayaks means completely voiding the warranty . So yes, modify, but modify with caution. Here are some cool ideas to get you started:

• If you can sacrifice the tiny dry storage hatch that is located at the bow of the kayak, you can mount tons of small accessories behind it. We’ve seen many people use this space to add things like GPS devices, compasses, fish finders, etc.
• Secondly, if you want to raise the seat or make a bit more comfortable, we would recommend installing a stadium-style canoe seat in it. This will make it so you’re not sitting as deep into the hull of the kayak. Try and get one that is adjustable though, as one that is too big might be make your kayak unstable
• Lastly, we would recommend drilling in a spot for an anchor trolley. This is especially important if you want to use this for fishing, as an anchor can keep you steady out in the water without having to work for it. It also makes your kayak more inconspicuous when it isn’t moving constantly.

Is this a good kayak for beginners?

There are many reviews around the Internet where people have said they bought the Journey 12 ss for their kids and they loved it! In our opinion, there are lots of things that make this an excellent beginner kayak! For starters, the tracking is great and it cuts through water like a knife in butter. It also has a flatter bottom, which makes it more stable as long as you aren’t standing up. Lastly, it is super easy to paddle. It all comes down to what you want to use it for. If you or your little ones are beginners and just want to take it out on some flat water, it’s perfect! Also, if you don’t end up liking it very much, it’s not a major investment for a kayak anyway!

If you're looking for something a bit more advanced, we have an awesome kayak review guide! Click here to view page !

Can you pedal with this boat?

No. There are some people that have purchased the boat mistaking the foot braces for foot pedals. The only reason they are there is so that you can keep your feet stable and rested while you are paddling. You still have to propel yourself with an actual paddle.

Can you remove the swiveling rod holder if you don’t want it there?

Yes! They know that not everyone will want to fish with the Journey 12 ss, so they made it easily removable by simply twisting it out of place.

Is this kayak easy to get in for larger people?

One of the biggest advantages of a sit-on-top kayak vs. a sit-in kayak is that sit-on-tops are much easier to get in and out of and are much more stable. In the chance that you flip in the water, you’ll be way less likely to get pinned under than you would with a sit-in kayak.

Final Thoughts – Should You Buy?

​All in all, this is an excellent fishing kayak for the price. Yes, it may not have all the crazy features and amenities of some higher end kayaks, but as with anything in life, you get what you pay for.

​If you don’t want to spend a ton of cash on a kayak, but still want one that is designed to match high-quality standards, is stable, is easy to paddle, and can have good time with, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss is one of the best choices out there. If you want to grow with it and add your style or features, Sun Dolphin has left plenty of room for you to mod and get creative. Have fun yakking!

>> See the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss  Product Page <<

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ss

• 10/10 Price - 10/10
• 9/10 Performance - 9/10
• 8.5/10 Durability - 8.5/10
• 10/10 Balance - 10/10

User Review

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Sun Dolphin Journey 12 – A Reliable Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak?

From a company that has specialized in the manufacture of small lightweight water vessels, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a masterpiece worth reviewing. It is not majorly superior to others, and to an untrained eye, it is as casual as almost any other common fishing kayak.

To the trained eye, however, there is a little bit more to it than what is seen at first glance. For that reason, whether you are a fully skilled or trainee kayaker, you need to read through this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review .

Check out our list of top 5 Sun Dolphin Bali Kayaks!

Framing Construction of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a 12-foot long, rigid, high-density polyethylene kayak specially formulated for this brand. The Fortiflex material gives the boat high UV resistant qualities. It also gifts the deck of the boat with anti-scratch and anti-crack qualities, which are crucial, especially when kayaking in rough waters.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12’s length, combined with its 29.5-inch width, augments its spear-like shape, enhancing the ability of the boat to cut through the water with very little challenge. This sit-on-top kayak’s height comes to about 14 inches, which will serve the user quite well in rough waters while avoiding unnecessary water splashes into the boat’s cockpit.

This fishing-tailored kayak is also considerably light due to its material and minimalistic rigging. At just 48 pounds, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is quite an easy fit for all levels of kayakers to contemplate using. For color diversity, you will get the kayak in two colors, olive and sand. This makes it especially easy for the user to blend in if they’re fishing in murky water.

For its overall build outlook, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 maintains a simple deck streamline. It has an almost horizontal lining all through it from the aft to the stern. The aft and stern overhangs are also not overly done, which creates stability, even for an inexperienced pair of hands.

Check out our information analysis on the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak here.

The deck curves into a well-planned cockpit area. Regrettably, the cockpit area does not embrace an extra lining of cushion, which can become a little uncomfortable, especially after a long period under the sun.

Features of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS has a nice pair of tough thread nylon handles, fitted with a cushy rubber grip to prevent injury during tows and carrying. The pair of handles, contained on top of the fore and stern deck areas, are retractable.

This solo vessel is capable of accommodating up to 395 pounds , which is a very good standard for almost all sizes of kayakers. This also makes it suitable for long fishing expeditions. To top up the wide range usability feature, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has simple, but comfy form seats.

The standard seat fits well within the wide cockpit to allow for easy maneuvering. However, there are a few people that may find the standard seats to be a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, you’d have to buy seat pads at an extra cost, if you’re going on day trips.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Kayak here.

Apart from the comfort offered by the open cockpit, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 also comes with thigh pads. These pads are a plus, especially for people who tend to suffer from muscle pulls due to having their legs in such a prone position for long periods.

Adjustable foot braces will keep your legs in place for whichever water conditions you want to experience. The braces have a significantly long tweak, making them capable of accommodating various ranges of leg lengths.

True lovers of fishing kayaks start with the storage space, then aim for the aesthetics. The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is not at the top when it comes to storage space, but it has enough for an ordinary catch. There are two storage areas, the first being a dry storage compartment. Located on the fore deck of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12, it offers space to carry a few essential items for a good ride. A molded-in front bungee compartment works as an alternative spot for the storage of ‘easy-access’ items such as nets and bags.

As a fishing kayak, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has two flush-mounted fishing rod holders. These rod holders are strategically placed just behind the kayaker’s seat. This makes it convenient for the kayaker to adjust the fishing reels.

The center cockpit area features a nifty swivel fishing rod holder, which goes a long way in making the fishing experience more pleasurable. The positioning of the swivel rod holder is the single most innovative thing the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 carries.

• The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is light enough for one person to carry
• Cheaper than most kayaks offering the same functionality
• Easily stabilizes in rough weather
• Ideal for beginners, as we’ve alread learned in this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review
• Addition of a P.A.C creates extra storage space
• Blatant lack of hatches takes away from its ‘fishing capable’ feature
• Material can be brittle, so no dragging it on the ground during storage and transportation
• Seating is not suitable for all users, so extra pads might need to be purchased

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Review Conclusion

There is on thing about Sun Dolphin models that never sits well with most buyers, and that is the material. Lightweight as they come, they always seem to suffer the problem of brittleness. However, that is a problem that is also reflected in a good number of polyethylene kayaks.

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is still a good vessel to fish in, and one that a newbie can learn to kayak in. If you are graduating from total inexperience in kayaking to a beginner’s level, this boat is one that you should consider looking at.

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Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ft. SS Fishing Kayak with Paddle, Gray Swirl

$ 299.99

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• Reviews (25)
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25 reviews for Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ft. SS Fishing Kayak with Paddle, Gray Swirl

aandcmorgan, – July 7, 2013

Greatest kayak ever made. – We have enjoyed these 2 kaykaks so much, we have taken them out almost every weekend. We like their style.

hackle53, – March 18, 2014

Great kayak for anyone who enjoys being on the wat – Very nice kayak, very sturdy and stable on the waterLight weight and easy to transport and tracks very well..

Javyrod, – April 7, 2014

Excellent kayak for $300 – Kayak was only $300 and was supposed to come with thigh pads, paddle leash, and fishing rod swivel rod holder. It is missing the leash and pads but did come with a paddle.

Fishfindermn, – June 6, 2014

Better than I ever would have believed – This boat is perfect for lake fishing. Light enough to be easily carried by one person. I’ve carried it over half a mile to remote spots comfortably.

KayakinLulu, – August 1, 2014

Great kayak for the price! – I have had my Journey for 2 years now and I just love it. Very stable (have only dumped it once and that was because I was being careless). Plenty of room for fishing or camping gear.

Massbassattack, – September 3, 2014

Great kayak for the price – I recently purchased this kayak on WalMart.com and chose site to store for a shipping option.

Tazcop – September 5, 2014

Not a bad beginner kayak,… – Not a bad beginner kayak, but at 29.5 inches wide I felt it could have been slightly wider for a little more stability. The P.A.C.

bds1550 – June 7, 2015

First, let me start by… – First, let me start by saying I find reading low rating reviews on the many different model Kayaks out there very entertaining. Seems many people have no clue about different styles, types,.

Bethhebert – June 30, 2015

I purchased the Sun… – I purchased the Sun Dolphin Journey from Walmart because I thought it was a good kayak for the price. I must say, the “Journey” is ideal for fishing the bayous and rivers of Louisiana! The.

Supersquid, – June 2, 2016

great deal – i bought two at the same time, great deal, they work great, track great, have plenty of storage in them, fairly stable, they move with ease. the only gripe i have about my entire purchase was.

Ziegled1 – June 30, 2016

The journey 12ss is a good… – The journey 12ss is a good kayak.,it is and entry level kayak but is stable,tracks well, and sturdy.

Kadavis, – July 20, 2016

Great fishing kayak – I am 5’6″, 140lb and this kayak fits me well. It doesn’t really track straight but that may be a function of the shape? I took it out 3x a day this past weekend on a lake and it was great.

Pauley, – August 2, 2016

Great boat – Very happy with this Kayak, got it at a great price. Used it several times and caught fish.

CharliePride, – August 12, 2016

Just buy the thing – The Journey 10 ss sit on kayak is a fish catching sucker. I’m 6′ 1″ 185lbs and this thing has not even offered to flip over.

BigBassCatcher, – April 7, 2018

OzarkTrail Pro Angler(Sundolphin Boss) – This is sold by walmart and is under the name Ozark Trail pro angler. Its the exact same kayak with a couple of extras. The new one comes with a paddle and dry bags in the compartments.

BionicToothpick, – April 14, 2018

Value Far Exceeds Price – This kayak is replacing my Heritage Pro Fisherman 14, which I’ve had for years. Being able to access the hatches while underway is great.

Pepe – June 4, 2018

This is a great starter… – This is a great starter boat that accommodates a person over 6′ tall and over 200 lbs. It has adjustable foot pads and plenty of storage for day trips or overnighters.

Ryan, – July 10, 2018

Ozark/sundolphin – I kayak fish all the time. I have had a sit in kayak for a couple years now and never committed to buying a decent sit on top.

HuronYaker, – November 25, 2018

Great Hull Design – The hull design on this kayak is outstanding. It tracks very well, turns on a dime, is fast and very stable. It’s a great value also.

Dsilva, – January 6, 2019

Boss 12 – I bought this kayak my first one at that . I’m not a pro kayak person but I love this kayak. I took out never evan got close to tipping over. The tracking is good .

Anonymous – June 24, 2019

The Journey 12 SS is a… – The Journey 12 SS is a decent entry level sit on top kayak. It’s fairly stable and tracks alright in the water. It’s fairly light weight and has a decent amount of storage.

AmyJoy – July 19, 2019

Easy to load and not too… – Easy to load and not too heavy. Open fishing Kayak so it’s easy to get in and out. I rigged a couple of extra rod holders because it only had one in the center that I use for a drink instead.

Daniel V G – July 31, 2019

Awesome kayak – Great beginner kayak for fishing, thoroughly enjoy the versatility!!!.

Your nickname has already – August 2, 2019

Great kayak for the price. – A little heavy, but overall this is a great kayak. The price is unbeatable. Super stable and great for fishing or cruising.

2 Happy kayakers – August 3, 2019

Hubby is a believer. – These kayaks are awesome! Talked until i was blue in the face to convince my hubby that one can kayak an fish at the same time. Did my research an came up with the sun dolphin.

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• The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 ft. SS Fishing Kayak is affordable and offers many features to enhance your fishing experience.
• One swivel and two flush mount rod holders
• Recessed tackle holders
• A unique and removable P.A.C.

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Excursion 12 SS

Sit in fishing kayak.

143.5″ (364m)

30″ (76cm)

395lbs (179kg)

47lbs. (21kg)

Excursion 12 SS Sit in Fishing Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Excursion 12 SS Sit-In Fishing Kayak tracks and paddles with ease, while offering maximum stability. There is a portable accessory carrier that can be used as extra storage. This kayak is great for anyone, featuring a large comfortable seating area, retractable carrying handles and flush mount fishing rod holders.

• Height: 14″ (36cm)
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Materials:  Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex® High Density Polyethylene
• Model:  Excursion 12 SS
• Brand: Sun Dolphin
• Manufactured and Assembled in the USA

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Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Ss

$ 375.00

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Specifications.

Great for lakes and rivers and to get to those secluded fishing areas. Lightweight, easy to carry. Tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability

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