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
Specifications
- Length
- 5.8 m
- Beam
- 49 cm
- Deck height
- 32 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- intermediate
- New price
- A$3,350
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Speed here also has a traced hull behind it: measured off this boat's own side and plan photographs, the shape alone rates it 6.8, and the published score moves 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
This hull is built around a paddler of about 87 kg. It stays workable from 76 kg to 92 kg, and sits at its best between 81 kg and 88 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
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.
What works, and what it costs you
What works
- 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
Trade-offs
- 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
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
AUD new price from Paddleshop.com.au (Sunshine Coast QLD, Fenn AU stockist), 2026 'From $3,350' (Hybrid Vacuum entry, layup-dependent).
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
Stellar
S18S
Epic
V9
Epic
V8 Pro
Sources
- https://www.fennkayaks.com/products/surfskis/single/fennix-xts/
- https://www.paddleshop.com.au/?s=fenn Fennix XT S From $3,350
- https://surfski.info Fenn Mako XT S - Review, 3 Feb 2019