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
Specifications
- Length
- 4.95 m
- Beam
- 57.5 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- beginner
- New price
- A$4,495
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
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
This hull is built around a paddler of about 90 kg. It stays workable from 79 kg to 95 kg, and sits at its best between 83 kg and 91 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
G1: original 16' stable sit-on-top surfski; shorter, more stable, slower than the S18S. Positioned between S14S and S18S.
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 works, and what it costs you
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
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
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
AUD new: Advantage ~$3,995, Excel ~$4,495-4,645 (2025-26). USD not published on current site.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
Fenn
Fennix Yellowfin
Rogue Kayak
Picaro
Carbonology
Cruze X
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