Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS & Ozark Trail Pro Angler Kayak: FULL REVIEW

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for Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS & Ozark Trail Pro Angler Kayak: FULL REVIEW

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Gator life Outdoors - 5 years ago

Thanks for the referral link on KBN ! Pretty sure I’m still gonna go with the pro angler over my other options unless a better deal pops up . Thanks for the review

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Gator life Outdoors no problem. Happy to help in any way I can.

hypnotik174 - 5 years ago

Good review, I love mine too. I've upgraded mine with fish finder, extra rod holders for storage and trolling, anchor system, dry boxes, fishing rod leashes etc etc etc. I've also wanted mine mostly water tight so I sealed the entire deck. I wonder if anyone wants to see me make a video?...

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Sure. Doesn’t hurt to make a video. Likely will help someone.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

It is definitely a huge step up.

73gmc454 - 5 years ago

My wife bought me one of these for Christmas , after reading all the negative comments by most people who never even owned one i was worried but after reading your reviews i feel much better about it , Thanks for being straight up !

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

No problem. Thanks for stopping by the channel.

AdvOutdoors - 5 years ago

How does this compare to the Ascend 12T and the Pelican The Catch 120? Those are what I'm looking at right now. I'm 240 lbs, and looking for something to get out on smaller lakes often, bigger lakes occasionally and low current rivers even less frequently. Thanks for the review!

Yosue Caridad - 5 years ago

Im dying for knowing what your neighbors think as soon you enter the water: “well there he goes again. Why he keeps trying to flip?”

Great video Justin. What size is that pdf. Im kind of same body type. Thanks

Dan R - 5 years ago

So the "seat issue" is not an issue with the seat but the actual plastic of the haul where the seat mounts are. I watched my friend have this issue on DAY 1 of fishing (6'3" 250lbs ish) the plastic actually buckled and de-formed. To me it seem to be un-repairable but apparently the manufacturer knows very well about this problem as they have a repair kit they will send to you to patch the issue. The yak is never the same again but returns the seat to the same position.

William Young - 5 years ago

I flipped mine last year on the New River in Virginia,,, lost my seat in the process. They sold me a new seat for $100 and sent spacers but it seems loose with the spacers added. Dont need to lose another one.

William Young - 5 years ago

Other then that this is a great kayak.

WDTA UT - 5 years ago

Maybe salt water weighs 7.5 pounds per gallon. Fresh water is about 8.3 pounds per gallon.

WDTA UT - 5 years ago

+KayakDIY I thought about it some more and realized sea water is more dense than fresh water, not less, so, sea water could be 8.5 pounds per gallon. If so, maybe you just made one of those mental slips and said 7.5 pounds. Happens to me way too frequently. In any case, you are right about it not being significant as far as sinking is concerned.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

It totally varies by water composition. However, even at 8.3lbs per gallon it honestly doesn’t significantly change things. It still would take a lot of water to sink this kayak.

10. comment for Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS & Ozark Trail Pro Angler Kayak: FULL REVIEW

Cup & Cone - 5 years ago

It's looks decent quality in person, especially for being twin sheet molded. The one negative I will say is top gunwales are somewhat low in the water just due to the shallow hull design, so choppy coastal conditions are probably not ideal unless you love being bashed with waves and having a flooded deck, especially with the slow draining scuppers.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

The new Hobie Outback has low freeboard just like this kayak. It helps prevent wind from affecting performance. However, with slow scupper drainage you wouldn’t want to use the Boss in big waves. The Hobie Outback has larger drains.

Fishin The 910 - 5 years ago

This is one of those kayaks that are great entry level or to keep for a spare for when someone wants to occasionally go out fishing with you cuz their boat is in the shop getting some work done. My biggest concern is the durability of the plastic its made from. I'm not knocking this yak at all, it looks great for the price point. But just not for me as my main yak.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

It definitely feels more durable than other Sun Dolphin kayaks. I think the newer Sun Dolphin kayaks in general feel stronger than previous years. When I stand on the Boss 12 deck it flexes less than my several thousand dollar Hobie kayaks. What stands out to me is not the plastic but rather the hardware like hatches and mounts...that is what differentiates it from kayaks 2-3x the price. I understand folks skepticism and concern though. Just would need to see or try one. Thanks for stopping by...I appreciate your feedback.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Thanks for your loyal support and viewership! Appreciate it! I'm humbled by all the kind comments and feedback. I try hard to provide non-bias honest reviews.

Kevin Casey - 5 years ago

I just got my Boss in yesterday. Free shipping from Walmart. I did a review on the journey. Can’t wait to try out this new kayak. Wonder if the scupper holes can be drilled larger?

Fishin The 910 - 5 years ago

Not unless you want it to sink. The scupper holes are molded closed so you would have to be an awesome plastic welder and I mean damn good at it.

Jason S - 5 years ago

Great video. I really like that you and your wife do things with kayaks that just about anybody can afford. And not just the ones that cost 2-3 thousand dollars.

Mike B - 5 years ago

Great review, very thorough and relevant information.

Bad Bass Fishing - 5 years ago

The seat on mine does pop out of the high position when it gets warm. The front bracket has a steel reinforcement. I'm not sure why they skipped putting the same steel bar on the rear bracket.

Ron Hart - 5 years ago

BEST review I have seen in a long time !! Love the walk around in the water.

drumavenger83 - 5 years ago

Thanks for the first in depth review that I could find. I have the Boss. Bought it for $400 a couple months ago. Due to weather and work, I haven't had it out yet. Still need a cart and pfd lol

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

drumavenger83 I have my favorite cart and PFD linked in the video description. I love my PFD because of the high back float clearing the high back seats on kayaks like the Boss. I also like my particular PFD for the pockets to hold fishing gear, radio, knife, pliers, etc.

The C-TUG is the cart I wish I had bought 3-4 carts prior. It is built well, corrosion proof, and can come apart to stow inside most kayaks.

Both aren’t cheap, but they are the best in my opinion.

Neils Clemenson - 5 years ago

Thanks for the thorough review. The color scheme on yours is nicer IMHO than the solids...

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Neils Clemenson I do like the camo color pattern. It is kind of an olive and tan mix.

20. comment for Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS & Ozark Trail Pro Angler Kayak: FULL REVIEW

Greg Menniges - 5 years ago

LOVE MINE!!!!

Greg Menniges - 5 years ago

I may not have all of the features of a $1,500 kayak but I'm very happy with what I have and I can add to it and it only cost me $500

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Greg Menniges thanks for your feedback...it reinforces my perception and review of the kayak.

Planning future videos. Might do a full skiff build. Found a gutted 14’ Skiff shell I might buy and rebuild. Want to make a skiff that is lightweight and capable of going in back of truck like a kayak.

GamerX12 - 5 years ago

Why did this take so long to come out ?

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

GamerX12 wife and I had a baby...lots of medical/family issues. Wanted this video out months ago...like last April. I’m finally caught up.

SHOW ME OUTDOORS - 5 years ago

Great review, I appreciate how you incoporate comments and online concerns that owners have had. Seems like a decent fishing kayak for the money. If you ever had the need to upgrade, I believe you could sell it fairly easy. I spent a year on a less than kayak and have chosen to upgrade. I will keep it as a loaner to share with others.

Matt Forsyth - 5 years ago

I ordered one of these boss 12. I can't wait to try it out. Great review.

Matt Forsyth - 5 years ago

I hope so. It will be our 6th kayak. Really love kayak fishing. It will be our 2nd fishing kayak. Got to move my fish finder to it and add a few touches. Then will be ready to go.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Thanks, I think you will certainly feel like you got your money's worth. It is a great value. I enjoy mine.

Bitcoin Beafy 3 - 5 years ago

You and Kayak Hacks Fishing are the best. Aliex is a lot of fun to watch too. Great video man. Hope your little one and wife are doing well. Godspeed

Oh, and throw a bunch of pool noodles inside that hull and you’ll never ever sink it from taking on water. Zoff has a video on making your own scupper holes. I would absolutely make 6 of my own on this yak

Eric Graalfs - 5 years ago

I wanted to buy this when it was $399 @ WalMart but didnt have the funds. They sold the 2 they had & the next shipment they were $699. Ended up buying a Vibe since this one was almost the same cost.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Every once and a while I still find them at that price. It is hit and miss. They go really quick at that price.

Rooster Currie - 5 years ago

I’m a Big Guy, is this Kayak suitable for BIG GUYS, 350. If not what Kayak do you recommend.

Rooster Currie - 5 years ago

michael wilkins I ain’t never been a Small guy. When I was in the Army I walked around north of 250lbs. But I was less than 15% BF. I Wish I could get back to those days. I’d be happy around 300lbs.

Rooster Currie - 5 years ago

michael wilkins Thanks Bro. I’m gonna check this out for sure.

michael wilkins - 5 years ago

I just bought a Vibe seaghost 130. I’m 365 pounds. The Vibe is the same width and is rated for 550 pounds instead of 500. I haven’t tried it yet , but I’m gonna guess that the higher weight capacity and same width is equivalent to the same or more stability. They are 880 dollars , shipping included.

Fishin The 910 - 5 years ago

I've seen Jackson Big Rigs used for around $800 so don't be afraid to buy used, or even an old demo model a store is selling.

Rooster Currie - 5 years ago

KayakDIY thanks so very much for your time and help. Also if you think of anything else, please share it with me. I’m absolutely NEW to kayak fishing. Thanks again buddy and great video.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Rooster Currie keep eye out for used Nucanoe Frontier or look into the new 3 Waters BigFish: https://youtu.be/dH_GrBXqrkI

Think that might work better for someone your size and get better performance. I think the Sun Dolphin Boss could support you, but would likely suffer a lot in performance.

Rooster Currie - 5 years ago

KayakDIY I’m not looking to spend more than I have to. Probably around $1000.00 or less if possible. What would you recommend?

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Rooster Currie it is hard to tell. I weigh 200lbs and felt solid on the kayak. However, 150lbs more weight focused on just the seat area or standing on the deck could yield much different results. The kayak is rated for 500lbs so theoretically it should hold your weight. Although, I think performance would be greatly different. I think those up to 275lbs could have similar results to mine, but not confident at 350lbs.

What is your budget for a kayak?

Missouri Kayak Fishing - 5 years ago

Looks good I seen one the other day. I made the comment that it looks like sundolphin was stepping put the game.

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

They definitely did with this kayak.

Chris Tenbraak - 5 years ago

Man this was a timely review for me. I just bought one of the clones a Kingsport 12 from Dunhams. The issue I've heard about with the seat is the rear bracket sagging when weights put on it though keeping it in the low position seems to help. I've got about 70 pounds on you but I'm similar in height so glad to see you can stand on it, that't the major reason I upgraded to mine.

Chris Warrick - 5 years ago

Could you drill the Scupper holes out but make them a little bit bigger for like a transducer wire to go through

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Maybe, but I haven't tried and not sure I dare to. Possibly could bore them slightly bigger, but I wouldn't push it. The front scuppers definitely drain faster than the rear. The rear tray well can catch some water and be bit difficult to drain, but during paddling I found the kayak drained quicker.

30. comment for Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS & Ozark Trail Pro Angler Kayak: FULL REVIEW

Glen Daugherity - 5 years ago

This definitely has more features than my Tamarack 100 from Walmart and is a couple inches wider maybe. We’ll see how my Tamarack performs this spring. And I paid 195.00 for my Tamarack but this kayak right now is listed at Walmart for 495.00. Great video !!

vagabond88817 - 5 years ago

Glen Daugherity That’s a little over $100.00 cheaper than amazon.

Greg Hinton - 5 years ago

Great walk thru video! Very in depth and informative. I have seen these at a few of my local stores and was wondering what they might be like. Pretty good price for the deck and features. Seemed like a pretty big jump for SunDolphin from the Bali and Journey. Thanks for a great video!

KayakDIY - 5 years ago

Thanks for the feedback on the video. I really did my best to answer people's primary questions. I feel I gave the kayak a fair and honest review. I try to be non-bias and honest in all my reviews. I am not a prostaff of any one brand. I will show any brand and product if the opportunity arises.

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