# Stellar SEI

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

## Specifications
- Length: 6.1 m
- Beam: 46 cm
- Deck height: 34.1 cm
- Layup weights: Alpha 11.1 kg, Excel 11.6 kg, Advantage 14.7 kg, Multi-Sport 15.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: Paddlers in chop

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability rated 6 out of 10 (traced hull, medium confidence).
- Speed rated 7 out of 10.

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

Evidence note: This band is based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 5 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 80–94 kg, broader estimated guide 66–97 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
True all-condition boat: flatwater, chop, and bigger ocean downwind. Suits athletic beginners growing into it, intermediate ocean racers, and advanced paddlers wanting a stable rough-water drop-down.

## Hull
Intermediate all-rounder hull at 46cm beam with a narrow catch, comfortable curved-back bucket and low-volume footwell. More volume and a more forgiving cross-section than the SES, giving strong secondary stability and glide that carries speed between strokes; 130kg capacity.

## What works
- Best-in-class glide and speed for an intermediate ski
- Strong secondary stability builds confidence fast
- Genuine one-ski solution: train, race, flat or ocean
- Comfortable bucket fits a range of hip sizes
- High 130kg capacity

## Trade-offs
- Won't match advanced/HPS skis (SEL/SES/SEA) on pure top speed
- Primary stability can feel lively to true novices
- Full-price layups approach elite pricing
- Long 6.1m boat to store/transport

## Generations
- 2013-2015: Gen1 (1G) - original Stellar Elite Intermediate, bridging the SR and the advanced SEL/SES/SEA
- 2016-: Gen2 (2G) - narrower rounded tapered bucket (less padding needed), seat moved forward for wave-catching, rudder forward, reduced footwell volume, lower gunwales; faster and turns ~1 boat-length better per buoy than 1G

## What paddlers say
- Wesley Echols (2G): 'fastest intermediate ski by far,' 7.3mph flat, likens it to a VW GTI that 'does it all'; roll rate much lower than 1G (surfskiracing.org)
- Dave the Kayaker: 'hits my personal sweet spot for speed vs stability - felt quite stable to me yet is still very fast' (davethekayaker.com)

## Sources
- https://www.stellarkayaks.com/SEI-surf-ski
- https://stellarkayaks.com.au/SEI-surf-ski
- https://surfskiracing.org/2016/09/stellar-sei-2g-excel-surfski-review/
- https://davethekayaker.com/2020/09/08/surfski-review-stellar-sei-surfski/
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/18842-stellar-sei-2g-independent-review.html

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