When you’re buying something as awesome as a new kayak, we doubt you’re looking for just anything that does the job. We bet you’re out to find the coolest boat on the market, and we’re here to help.
Both Sun Dolphin and Pelican make good kayaks for beginner and experienced riders. If you want a toe-to-toe comparison of Sun Dolphin vs. Pelican kayaks, we’ve got you covered right below!
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Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-in Kayak, Paddle Included (Tangerine, 10-Feet) | VIEW ON AMAZON |
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Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler Fishing KayakSit-on-Top KayakLightweight one... | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Sun Dolphin Kayaks Overview
Sun Dolphin makes both sit-on and sit-in models of kayaks. The sit-in variation is ideal for short recreational paddling near the shore since it’ll keep you dry.
On the other hand, sit-on models are easier to climb back onto if you ever capsize. So, you’ll be safe even if you’re in the middle of open waters.
The manufacturers of these kayaks made sure to include storage partitions in their designs. Some models also have a dry storage compartment for your phone, wallet, and other belongings that you wouldn’t want to get wet.
If you’re into fishing, Sun Dolphin kayaks would be suitable for you, because they have rod holders.
Pros
- Most of their models have rod holders, making them suitable for fishing.
- They’re easy to handle since they’re lightweight.
- They have storage compartments and a large weight capacity for your fishing equipment.
- There are movable foot braces to adjust for taller people.
- They have wide and flat bottoms making them stable even for beginners.
Cons
- They only make a few models to choose from.
- The seats are hard and not very comfortable.
Pelican Kayaks Overview
Pelican Sport is a company that makes kayaks, pedal boats, and many accessories for water sports.
For kayaks, you’ll have an endless list to choose from including recreational kayaks, fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, two-seaters, and even children’s solo kayaks that come in a set of two.
Pelican kayaks are made with twin sheet thermoforming (TST) materials, which make them lightweight without compromising strength. Also, one cool feature of Pelican kayaks is their comfortable seats that eliminate the need to bring your cushions to sit on.
Pros
- They have a variety of models to choose from and big price ranges.
- The seats are cushioned and comfortable.
- They’re fairly stable in the water.
- They’re made with innovative designs that are lightweight, rigid, and resistant to breaking.
Cons
- Not all models come with a fishing rod holder.
- Not all models have adjustable foot pegs.
Toe-to-Toe Comparison Between Sun Dolphin and Pelican Kayaks
Now that you know a few things about the two kayak manufacturers, let’s dive deeper into what makes each brand better. H
Here’s a comparison of the Sun Dolphin vs. Pelican kayak:
Material Durability
Both Sun Dolphin and Pelican kayaks are composed mainly of polyethylene. This material is ideal for kayaks because it’s water-resistant and tough against abrasions, like when it’s dragged on gravel out of the water.
Sun Dolphin
These kayaks are made with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive.
Pelican
Some Pelican kayaks are made with Polyethylene, and the inflatable versions are made with “three layers of material” which wasn’t named on their website.
Additionally, all Pelican kayaks are coated with RAM-X material to resist breakage and last longer.
The Winner
Even though both Sun Dolphin and Pelican kayaks are made with polyethylene, Pelican kayaks are more durable due to the added coating of RAM-X that blocks out UV rays and protects against impact.
Weight Capacity
Before you buy a kayak, it’s important to know that they come with weight limits. Not only should a kayak accommodate your weight, but it should also be able to carry a few extra pounds for your luggage and the fish you’ll catch.
Sun Dolphin
The average-sized Sun Dolphin kayak like the Aruba 10 has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs, which is about 100 lbs more than the weight of an average adult.
The largest kayak in their line is the Bali 13.5 SS Tandem, which can carry up to 500 lbs.
Pelican
Since Pelican offers a wide range of models to choose from, the maximum allowed weight on these kayaks ranges from 200 lbs for smaller ones and up to 400 lbs for larger kayaks.
The Winner
Sun Dolphin and Pelican are tied in this round. This is because Sun Dolphin only has one kayak with a large capacity.
On the other hand, Pelican has several big kayaks to choose from. However, the maximum weight capacity of the largest Sun Dolphin is more than that of the big Pelican kayaks.
Stability
The ability of a kayak to remain balanced on the water is one of the most essential features that beginner paddlers look for.
Sun Dolphin
These kayaks are stable in water due to their hollow shape and wide bottom. They also have short keels, which make steering easy for beginners.
Pelican
This brand makes stable kayaks due to the position of the cockpit relative to the rest of the boat. You’ll sit in the hollow middle part where it would be difficult to fall into the water if you sway.
The Winner
Pelican kayaks are more stable in the water than Sun Dolphin kayaks. They’re ideal for recreational rides, fishing, and photography.
Speed
When you’re riding a fast boat, you’ll exert less energy to reach your destination or you’ll cover longer distances in a shorter amount of time. Here’s what our two brands can offer us in this regard.
Sun Dolphin
These kayaks are exceptionally fast moving forward. However, they’re not so easy to control when you’re changing directions.
Pelican
These kayaks are fast too. Yet, what makes them stand out is how easily maneuverable they are.
With the Pelican kayaks, you can explore narrow rivers without hitting rocks. Yes, it’s that easy to dodge obstacles in Pelicans!
The Winner
If you’re looking for speed, Sun Dolphin kayaks win this round because they’re faster than Pelican kayaks. Yet, the Pelicans are more agile.
Final Verdict
There are similarities and differences between Sun Dolphin and Pelican kayaks, but both make top-notch boats. However, for the sake of this comparison, we’d have to crown a winner: Pelican kayaks.
Pelicans are more durable than Sun Dolphin kayaks due to the extra layer of protection against UV and cracking. Also, the brand has a bigger line of kayaks to choose from, and a wide price range as well.
Sun Dolphins were close to beating Pelicans for being targeted as fishing kayaks, but Pelicans are keeping up as they produce several models of kayaks designed for this purpose.
Sun Dolphin fishing kayaks have a wide bottom to improve stability, and they come with rod holders and extra space for your equipment.