- Home
- Gear & Reviews
- Stellar 18' Touring Kayak (S18)
Stellar 18' Touring Kayak (S18)

Stellar 18' Touring Kayak (S18) Description
Similar to the S16, the Stellar 18 (S18) Touring Kayak was designed for speed and stability on long distance tours. With additional length and reduced beam, this boat glides through the water. Moderate concavity along the keel of the bow and stern helps with tracking in rough conditions. For windy days and following seas, a drop-down rudder off the stern will help keep your course. Higher decks allow for a dryer paddle in rough conditions and a large stern and medium bow compartment provide ample storage for your longer tours.
Stellar 18' Touring Kayak (S18) Specs and Features
- Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
- Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Stellar Kayaks and Surfskis
Stellar 18' Touring Kayak (S18) Reviews
Read reviews for the Stellar 18' Touring Kayak (S18) 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 this boat from Jeff…
I bought this boat from Jeff at PADDLING DYNAMICS in TN. I was looking for speed for doing three longer distances paddling races and tried a skinner boat at 20” wide but found it too unstable. This boat at almost 22” is stable and almost as fast. I am 73 and have averaged almost 5 mph on a lake. I rarely use the rudder. It is a great boat.
I bought a S18 Advantage…
I bought a S18 Advantage layup for my wife a few years ago for several reasons; the large cockpit, very stable, good performance, yet fast and agile, light weight (39 lb). 18 ft length made it easier for her to keep up with me. SmartTrack rudder system allows easier control for beginners than skeg. I work in a kayak shop in FL and could pick anything I wanted. Sold it after she hurt her back. Wouldn't mind having another one in the fleet. This time Multisport layup (extra 4 lb) for sure for rocky terrain and running rivers.
I am managing a kayak club…
I purchased this kayak…
I have owned several boats…
I started paddling with a group of people who have composite sea kayaks. Needless to say, keeping up with them was a chore. After a lot of research, I bought the 18 S. The first few trips were interesting to say the least. I am tall with a high COG and many times thought I was in the water, only to not be there.
I use a Euro paddle and it 'sticks' frequently in this boat because I am a high angle paddler. Still considering a wing but I have modified my stroke more toward low angle. I had just been on a 2 month hiatus because of a back issue and took the ski out yesterday. Almost felt like an old friend. I am looking forward to our next trip.