# Stellar S16S

> Surfski by Stellar. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/stellar-s16s/
> Cite as: Stellar S16S, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/stellar-s16s/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 4.95 m
- Beam: 57.5 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm
- Layup weights: Alpha 12.3 kg, Excel 12.6 kg, Multi-Sport 15.4 kg, Advantage 15.9 kg
- Usually paddled by: New paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 9–10 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 5 out of 10.

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. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 9 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 79–92 kg, broader estimated guide 64–96 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Flatwater, bays, light chop and gentle downwind; ideal first performance ski / graduating up from rec kayaks. Stable enough that almost any paddler can handle it.

## Hull
Shorter, wider (57.5cm beam) rounded-bucket sit-on-top hull with modified rocker for maneuverability and wave handling. High primary stability (~95% of the S14S) while giving speed approaching the S18. Two sealed hatches (~81L bow, 105L stern) for day/overnight use.

## What works
- Very stable - great confidence-builder / beginner ski
- Light and responsive (~12.3-12.6kg carbon layups)
- Comfortable ergonomic bucket with hip side-support
- Cockpit carry handles, easy to car-top
- Hatches for day-tripping

## Trade-offs
- Slower / shorter waterline than S18S and full race skis
- Wide beam limits top-end speed
- Advantage layup fairly heavy (~15.9kg)
- Sit-on-top form less race-oriented
- Limited written long-form reviews available

## Generations
- 2013-2019: G1: original 16' stable sit-on-top surfski; shorter, more stable, slower than the S18S. Positioned between S14S and S18S.
- 2019-: G2 / renamed 'Kingfisher': updated ergonomic bucket seat + 3-point footboard, increased beam (57.5cm) for even more stability, modified rocker for easier wave handling and maneuvering. Two watertight hatches. Current.

## What paddlers say
- 'Great little sit-on-top/surfski for those graduating up into performance kayaking - quick, lightweight and notably stable' (Dave The Kayaker, G2 review)
- 'More speed than the S14S but more stability than the S18SX' (Stellar/dealer positioning echoed by Paddling.com reviewers)

## Sources
- https://www.stellarkayaks.com/S16S-surf-ski
- https://davethekayaker.com/2023/04/03/kayak-review-stellar-s16s-g2-surfski/
- https://paddling.com/gear/stellar-16-surf-ski-s16s-kayak/
- https://www.paddleshop.com.au/products/stellar-s16s-surf-ski/
- https://paddle2fitness.com.au/shop/stellar-surf-skis/
- https://oceanflight.com/products/surfski-stellar-sit-on-top-s16s
- https://stellarkayaks.com.au/S16S-surf-ski
- https://paddlezone.com.au/products/stellar-kingfisher-sit-on-top-kayak-s16s
- https://www.stellarkayaksusa.com/images/Stellar_Kayaks_Price_List_2026.pdf

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/stellar-s16s/#buy