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263craft

Fenn · Double

Fenn Elite S Double

Lower-volume, narrower racing double hull (465mm) with a fitted seat set forward in the hull to reduce leg hump and improve flat-water speed; wetter ride in the back seat due to lower volume but built for maneuverability and downwind surfing ability.

Length
7.45 m
Beam
46.5 cm
Deck
38 cm
Lightest
17 kg
 
 
Fenn Elite S Double, studio side profile
studio side profile · oceanpaddler.com

Specifications

Length
7.45 m
Beam
46.5 cm
Deck height
38 cm
Category
Double
Usually paddled by
Racers
New price
A$4,150

Layup weights

Glass24 kg
Vacuum18.5 kg
Carbon17 kg

On-water profile

Stability
5–7
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
9

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. How we rate.

Stability here means how steady the ski feels sitting still on flat water. Where two craft have overlapping ranges, we can't say which is more stable. Downwind handling is a separate thing, covered in the evidence note below.

Evidence note

This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 4 linked sources.

Suits: Experienced crews only - downwind ocean swell, surf racing, flat-water speed work; not forgiving for mismatched or novice paddlers.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 75–87 kg per seat, with a broader estimated guide of 61–90 kg. This estimate is a guide, not a limit. Seat fit, conditions and paddling style matter. Lighter paddlers can still enjoy a larger hull, especially downwind. A test paddle is the best check.

Estimated from hull dimensions using a formula fitted to makers’ own paddler limits. It does not establish the designer’s intended paddler weight. How this is worked out.

Generations

'S' seat generation, current; earlier non-S Elite Double (7.45m x 46.5cm) predates it

'S' revision moved seats forward, reduced leg hump, moved the rudder forward, lowered footwells, and added leg-leash attachment points in both seats - aimed at smaller paddlers than the original Elite Double.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fastest Fenn double, especially downwind and on flat water
  • Excellent surfing/maneuverability for a double, 'handles like a single' in runs
  • 'S' seat fit works for smaller/lighter paddler pairs, unlike the tall-paddler-oriented original
  • Long racing pedigree - dominant double in SA and international ocean racing

Cons

  • Least stable Fenn double - needs a competent, well-matched crew
  • Wetter ride in the back seat due to lower hull volume
  • Not beginner-friendly; unforgiving in chop for mismatched paddlers

What paddlers say

surfski.info 2011 forum thread ('Double Ski choice'): recommends the Elite Double only if 'you're stable and paddle a top end single ski yourself,' otherwise steers buyers to the XT Double.Reported experience
surfski.info review of the earlier Mako Elite Double (2009): 'The ski is hugely lighter than my previous double and this produces noticeably better acceleration on the water'; noted for catching runs well and good finish quality.Reported experience

Where to buy

Fenn Kayaks ↗

Dealers:

Ocean Paddler · AU ↗Paddleshop (PADDLES) · AU ↗Ocean Paddlesports · AU ↗Paddle 2 Fitness · AU ↗Sydney Harbour Kayaks · AU ↗Race One Surf Craft · AU ↗

AU dealer (Oceanpaddler) 2026: Glass Vac $4,150, Hybrid (18.5kg) $5,100, Carbon (17kg) $6,100 AUD.

Sources

BetaRatings are estimatesRatings are estimates. How we get the numbers. Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.