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Fenn · Surfski

Fenn XT-S

Refined version of the original XT hull, marginally wider (49cm vs 48cm) with revised rocker and volume distribution for improved secondary stability and downwind manners; Fenn describes it as having 'the response and feel of elite-level skis while offering a very stable platform.'

Length
5.8 m
Beam
49 cm
Deck
32 cm
Lightest
10.5 kg
Source image flipped
Source image flipped
Fenn XT-S, studio side profile
studio side profile · fennkayaks.com

Specifications

Length
5.8 m
Beam
49 cm
Deck height
32 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Paddlers in chop
New price
A$3,350

Layup weights

Glass13 kg
Vacuum11 kg
Carbon10.5 kg

On-water profile

Stability
8
Traced hullMedium confidence
Speed
6

Modelled from this hull's traced beam and depth at its design weight. Medium 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 based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 3 paddler reports and 4 linked sources.

Speed is also checked against the traced hull. Measured from this boat's side and plan photos, the shape alone rates 7, and the score shown is moved a third of the way toward that. What that means.

Suits: Flat water to solid downwind swell; used for club races, Miller's Run-style downwind days, and as a step-up training ski before an elite hull.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 76–89 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 62–92 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

2018-present ('Fenn Mako XT S' / current 'Fennix XTS')

Direct update of the original XT; current Fenn website lists it as 'Fennix XTS,' body copy still calls it 'XT S.' Sits between the Blue-Fin S and Swordfish S in the current lineup.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Genuine step up in speed/glide over the original XT while keeping strong stability
  • Excellent downwind manners
  • Light for the category (10.5-11kg Carbon/Hybrid Vacuum)
  • Actively sold new by Australian dealers (Paddleshop, Oceanpaddler) - easy parts/warranty support

Cons

  • Noticeably less stable than the Blue-Fin S if coming straight from flat water/kayaking
  • Some reviewers note steering felt sluggish until a bigger rudder was fitted
  • Priced above beginner-tier skis, competing with Epic V7/V8 and Stellar SEI

What paddlers say

"Though it's exceptionally stable, it glides easily and behaves agile and predictable in the water" - surfski.info review of the Fenn Mako XT S (Feb 2019)Reported experience
"Like all the new Fennix boats the XT S has the response and feel of elite-level skis while offering a very stable platform for ocean paddling" - fennkayaks.com product copyReported experience
"I tried it out on a proper Miller's Run downwind with 22-27kt of SE..." - Robin Mousley, YouTube 'Fenn XT S Miller's Run' reviewReported 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 ↗

AUD new price from Paddleshop.com.au (Sunshine Coast QLD, Fenn AU stockist), 2026 'From $3,350' (Hybrid Vacuum entry, layup-dependent).

Sources

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