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Stellar 14' Touring Kayak (S14)
This Product Has Been Discontinued
More Kayaks from Stellar Kayaks and Surfskis:
The Stellar 14' Touring Kayak (S14) has been replaced by the S14 G2
Stellar 14' Touring Kayak (S14) Description
Unlike other boats of this length, the S14 has the speed of a much longer boat, but beginners can feel comfortable paddling it. A large hatch in the stern allows for ample storage for day and overnight trips, while the retractable skeg in the stern helps with tracking. Its short length and light weight make it ideal for those who want a high performance boat, but are short on storage space or frequently car-top their boat.
Stellar 14' Touring Kayak (S14) Specs and Features
- Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
- Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Stellar Kayaks and Surfskis
Stellar 14' Touring Kayak (S14) Reviews
Read reviews for the Stellar 14' Touring Kayak (S14) by Stellar Kayaks and Surfskis 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!
I bought my Steller S14 in…
I bought my Steller S14 in in 2016 and have used it over 20 times each year since then. I really enjoy the light weight, comfortable and large cockpit, and relatively fast speed due to its hull shape (slightly rounded with lower water contact at speed). I would have given it 5 stars until I started ocean kayaking which had a few issues (inadequate leg bracing causes premature exit, rough in waves with high volume back, difficult re-entry with high back and rounded bottom). I recently bought a 17 ft sea kayak that is better suited to open water, but still keep using my S14 to enjoy more relaxed outings on calm lakes and canals.
My first kayak; and one I…
My first kayak; and one I shall keep for the foreseeable future. I chose a relatively light and expensive first boat, because I'm too old (52) to mess about in so-so stuff and upgrading later. Later is now...!
The S14 is a Chinese, handcrafted and quite well-finished kayak; with a seat and back that are well adjustable (although not very easily so), even though not quite the most comfortable seat I've sat in. Between your legs, there's room for a drinkbottle; although it's not a one-hand operation to remove or, especially, re-position it.
As opposed to the seat, the footrests are very easily adjustable indeed; but could have been a bit larger in surface - as they tend to really dig into your feet on longer trips. For now, I'm using Teva sandals with quite sturdy soles in order to relieve that pressure a bit. On top of the footrests, there's a toe-pressure operated set of levers that can operate the optional rudder. All cable-guides are already in place. With the adjustable (on one's right hand just outside the cockpit) skeg though, and the moderate length of the boat, a rudder is not really a necessity here; in my view.
I've recently acquired a Gearlab Deck Pod, so that even with a closed spraydeck, I wil have easy acces to hydration - through a Platypus bladder that I have fitted it with (the 2L version is a perfect fit inside).
Moving the S14 about when making walking transfers to higher or lower waters, overruling the (very busy) locks in the waters I have nearby, is reasonably easy thanks to its moderate weight. It's also just a very nice boat to look at, I get compliments on it almost every time I'm on the water. It's available in several colour-combinations, that all have a shiny white hull in common. As well, it's available in several grades of sturdiness and lightness. The 2 Kg. lighter carbon version will set you back a whopping lot more than the regular Advantage (a fiberglass sandwich construction) model, so that's not a choice many will make.
Now, just a few months of patience before I can start enjoying my second season with the Stellar!
The Stellar S14 kayak is a…
I'm very happy with my…
Most of my kayaking is done…
This Stellar S-14 (Advantage…
This Stellar S-14 (Advantage layup) kayak is my first made of fiberglass/composite. I'd previously owned/paddled an Ocean Kayak rotomolded boat and an Eddyline Sandpiper. The Stellar is my favorite of the three by far. Here's why... First, this boat is light enough for me to place on my vehicle and paddle 3-7 times per week. Weighing in at just 36 lbs., I can easily transport it on my Toyota Landcruiser (Hullevator rack) or Honda Accord (Yakima/Thule SUP Taxi rack). Second, the combination of lightness and stiffness makes it a very nimble, responsive, and quick boat. With the drop-down skeg all the way up, the boat is quite playful; with it all the way down it tracks straight, even in wind and waves. Positioned in between, you can fine tune the skeg depth to get the best of both characteristics. And while this kayak comes pre-fitted for a rudder, I doubt that I'll ever need one. Now for aesthetics: this is a very beautiful kayak. The fit and finish is excellent. And so far the gelcoat appears to be quite durable. Mine is brilliant red, with grey accent stripe down the middle. Now for two caveats: The boat is a bit narrow, at 23 1/2", so for some it may feel unstable when getting into and out of the boat, especially at a dock. But once you are settled down into the cockpit, and start to paddle, the stability of the boat is excellent. Because of the materials used in its construction, it is not ideal to launch or retrieve from gravely shallows, unless you don't mind scratching the slick hull. I do mind, so when I launch from a bank, I do so in water deep enough to float the boat with our the hull scraping the bottom. I paddle in lakes and coastal bays. For those environments, this boat is completely satisfying: easy to transport, fast, lively, and a whole lot of fun. Note: I originally posted this review anonymously, but wanted to edit slightly. Sorry for the duplication...
This Stellar S-14 (Advantage…
This Stellar S-14 (Advantage layup) kayak is my first made of fiberglass/composite. I'd previously owned/paddled an Ocean Kayak rotomolded boat and an Eddyline Sandpiper. The Stellar is my favorite of the three by far. Here's why...
First, this boat is light enough for me to place on my vehicle and paddle 3-7 times per week. Weighing in at just 36 lbs., I can easily transport it on my Toyota Landcruiser (Hullevator rack) or Honda Accord (Yakima/Thule SUP Taxi rack).
Second, the combination of lightness and stiffness makes it a very nimble, responsive, and quick boat. With the drop-down skeg all the way up, the boat is quite playful; with it all the way down it tracks straight, even in mid and waves. Positioned in between, you can fine tune the skeg depth to get the best of both characteristics. And while this kayak comes pre-fitted for a rudder, I doubt that I'll ever need one.
Now for aesthetics: this is a very beautiful kayak. The fit and finish is excellent. And so far the gelcoat appears to be quite durable. Mine is brilliant red, with grey accent stripe down the middle.
Now for two caveats:
The boat is a bit narrow, at 23 1/2", so for some it may feel unstable when getting into and out of the boat, especially at a dock. But once you are settled down into the cockpit, and start to paddle, the stability of the boat is excellent.
Because of the materials used in its construction, it is not ideal to launch or retrieve from gravely shallows, unless you don't mind scratching the slick hull. I do mind, so when I launch from a bank, I do so in water deep enough to float the boat with our the hull contacting the bottom.
I paddle in lakes and coastal bays. For those environments, this boat is completely satisfying: easy to transport, fast, lively, and a whole lot of fun.