Fish Finder Reviews
Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-On-Top Kayak

Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-On-Top Kayak Review

The Sun Dolphin’s Bali SS 12-foot kayak allows you to paddle through lakes and rivers with precision handling, a lightweight design and a massive storage capacity that can hold all of your gear for a weekend on the water.

A large seating area allows for the utmost in comfort while the protective thigh pads provide you with ample protection from rough waters.

When it comes to stabilization, the Bali SS provides high-end stability that will keep you safe in the water. Add in an easy cockpit entry, and you’ll be able to enjoy kayaking like never before. Let’s take a look at the features that this model has to offer.

Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12
Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12
Check Price on Amazon

Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Features

The Bali SS comes at a low cost but doesn’t skimp on the features. The specifications alone are impressive, take a look for yourself:

  • Length: 12’
  • Weight: 48 pounds
  • Weight Capacity: 395 pounds

And the width is 29.5” and the height is 13.5”. Made in the United States, there are three color choices available when choosing the Bali:

  • Blue
  • Green
  • Red

Pretty impressive, right? This is just the start; this model also offers:

  • UV stabilized high density polyethylene
  • Portable accessory carrier
  • Adjustable foot braces
  • Open cockpit
  • Large seating area
  • Protective thigh pads
  • Paddle holder
  • Shock cord rigging
  • Storage compartment
  • Retractable carry handles

Single users will be able to fit perfectly in this fishing kayak. While you won’t be able to bring company along like with other kayaks, you’ll find that the cockpit entry is as easy as it comes compared to the competition.

You’ll be seated low enough to avoid water splashing on your thighs, and there are protective thigh pads for added comfort.

The foot braces are adjustable, too so that you can choose a position and size perfect for your feet. What this does is allow you to maintain greater stability and control when paddling. A 12’ length is also a good compromise between the 10’ and 14’ models because it can accommodate nearly 400 pounds (user weight plus storage weight).

Cutting through the water will be effortless – even when the river is a little rough.

While it’s called “sit-on top,” you’re sitting deeper in the hull more like a traditional kayak than a sit-on top model. Keep this in mind when choosing this model as the name is a little misleading.

Accessories for the Sun Dolphin Bali

When it comes to kayaking, you may want some accessories to optimize your time out on the lake. Sun Dolphin does state that this model has accessories, but the only accessory that the company lists is the must-have kayak paddle that’s needed to paddle through the water.

There isn’t a holder for a fish finder, so this model is meant more for sport than it is fishing – although you can definitely fish in this kayak, but you won’t have a place to mount a fish finder.

If you do have other accessories, you’ll be able to keep everything stored in the Bali 12’s massive storage. The front storage area used bungees to keep your gear secured while a small storage compartment with a twist cap is present to store all of your valuables when fishing. This is where you’ll want to place your wallet, watch or other valuables.

The stern has a larger storage compartment.

Fishing rod holders (2) are included for the expert angular.

Coffee drinkers will love the conveniently placed water bottle holder that keeps drinks in arm’s reach at all times.

If you want to deck out your kayak, here are a few accessory items we recommend:

  • Padded seat
  • Bungee cord kit
  • Cooler
  • Waterproof backpack
Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12
Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12
Check Price on Amazon

Comfort and Design

Sitting in a kayak all day doesn’t need to lead to aches and pains. The Sun Dolphin Bali 12 makes kayaking as comfortable as possible. The cockpit is sunken in so that you feel extra secure, and the foot braces can be adjusted to better accommodate tall and short users.

If you’re especially tall and have issues finding a kayak that can accommodate your leg size, this is a good choice.

And the padded backrest is adjustable, too, to allow for even more comfort.

Young and old kayakers will find that the Bali is able to offer comfort all day long, and there are even retractable handles that will allow you to easily haul this kayak from your truck to the water and back.

There isn’t a cushion for your button, so this may be an accessory that you want to buy at some point if you plan to be out on the water from sunrise to sunset.