Stellar S14 G2 Touring Kayak

Best light touring kayak voted by PaddlerMag - "The Stellar S14 G2’s versatile combo of speed, light weight, premium materials and tour-ability is hard to rival in the 14-foot class". *

The second-generation S14 (G2) pays homage to the original G1 in its hull shape, but mow with added beam to increase the primary stability and a touch of volume for the carrying capacity.

The S14 G2 retains a smooth efficient feel in the water with updated features above the waterline. A paddle recess behind the cockpit rim, a wider and more functional lock bar and more aggressive cut-away make for a tighter catch and modern look, plus the convenience of a deck pod makes storing a phone or keys easy.

To round out this best seller, you'll find the ergonomics of the cockpit and seating position refined for better rotation and rolling. The S14 G2 is especially interesting if you are looking for a very compact and easy to transport kayak.

With a length of only 4.4 meters and a weight of about 16.5 kg, both transport and storage are very easy. It also has a large cockpit opening for easy and convenient entry and exit.

This generation now also has a day hatch in front of the cockpit. The S14 G2 is equipped with SKEG as standard. An over stern stern rudder can be added as an option to all S14 G2s.

S14 G2 overview from Ben @ Stellar USA

Layup Options:

Advantage: Great combination of weight, stiffness, durability and cost. Gelcoat finished heat cured infused epoxy Fiberglass and Soric® core laminate is very tough and resists against punctures. A great race boat on a tight budget. The Advantage hits the mark for price to weight ratio for most kayak paddlers.

Excel: Very stiff and light, yet more affordable than the Alpha. Kevlar® adds impact strength to the laminate - Gelcoat finished heat cured epoxy Kevlar® and Fiberglass laminate with Nomex® Honeycomb Core. Great for racing, or those looking for a light boat, but not as impact resistant as the Multi-sport or Advantage constructions.

Important Note:

• Published weights are for a white hull/deck. Colour stripes and custom finishes may vary from the published weight.
  
• Product images may include optional inclusions and/or overseas models.
• Pricing excludes delivery to our stores. Please contact your local store regarding availability and delivery charges.

* Why I love it

With all the performance and safety features of a full-size sea kayak finessed into a compact package, light touring kayaks excel at spontaneous day trips and weekend adventures on any waters. Awesome, right? The Stellar S14 G2 takes a great thing and makes it even better—a lightweight light touring kayak. Because anything “light” should be, well, light.

Stellar’s background in building Olympic rowing shells and fast surfskis is evident in the construction, design and speed of the S14. Available in three sizes and four sleek and stiff composite material options—ranging from 18 to14kg's the S14 trims up to 30 percent off the weight of its lightest rivals. The shallow-V hull is optimized for speed and quick acceleration with a narrow, knife-like bow and minimal rocker to maximize waterline. Soft chines reduce drag and have a smooth, continuous feel, making it easy to initiate gentle edged turns. The S14 is unquestionably among the fastest 14-foot kayaks on the water, cruising at a steady four or five knots and easily keeping pace with longer touring kayaks. The cockpit is comfortably appointed for all-day tours and there’s ample space in the watertight hatches for packing camping essentials.

Fast and light doesn’t mean experts only. Stellar moved the widest part of the hull behind the cockpit for added volume and stability, making the S14 G2 a beginner-friendly light touring bullet.

* https://paddlingmag.com/boats/kayaks/touring-kayak