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263craft

Stellar · Surfski

Stellar S16S

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.

Length
4.95 m
Beam
57.5 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
12.3 kg
 
 
Stellar S16S, studio side profile
studio side profile · stellarkayaksusa.com

Specifications

Length
4.95 m
Beam
57.5 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
New paddlers
New price
A$4,345 · US$4,395

Layup weights

Alpha12.3 kg
Excel12.6 kg
Multi-Sport15.4 kg
Advantage15.9 kg

On-water profile

Stability
9–10
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
5

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 9 linked sources.

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.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 79–92 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 64–96 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

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.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 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

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)Reported experience
'More speed than the S14S but more stability than the S18SX' (Stellar/dealer positioning echoed by Paddling.com reviewers)Reported experience

Where to buy

Stellar Kayaks ↗

Dealers:

Stellar Kayaks Australia · AU ↗

AUD is the Advantage layup (16kg) at A$4,345 (Stellar Australia base price, 2026); Excel A$4,845. Dealers ask more: Paddleshop A$4,495 Advantage, A$5,095 Excel and A$5,395 Multi-Sport; PaddleZone A$4,795 Advantage. USD is the Advantage layup at US$4,395 (Stellar USA 2026 price list, sold as the Kingfisher); Excel and Multi-Sport US$5,595, Alpha US$6,695.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.