Stellar S14-G2 MOD | Touring Sea Kayak Review by Dan Arbuckle
Enter the new Stellar S-14 G2 MOD
This modular 3 piece kayak aims to offer paddlers the same performance of a fast composite touring kayak, but in an easy to transport, easy to haul alternative to traditional kayaks. It comes apart in three pieces at the bulkheads. Each compartment is fully sealed and mates together with six wing nuts. In my experience I was able to go from bags in the catch of my Subaru to a boat on the beach in under 10 minutes.
First Impressions
On the water the boat has an easy and familiar feel. The cockpit fit was comfortable for my 6'1" 215lb frame. Overall it was roomy and easy to get in and out of, yet had plenty of contact when I engaged my legs. The thigh braces leave enough room to pick up both knees at once, but I never felt like I would pop out of them when edging or bracing.
The glide was the biggest surprise, as it felt effortless to pickup and maintain speed. Stellar has nailed the hull design for an efficient rec touring hull. When put on an edge the secondary feels very supportive. The swede form and flat mid section allow this boat to come around with the flick of a paddle. Tracking on the other hand was loose and lively with the skeg fully up. I had no problems keeping it going straight when under power, but when I let up to take a photo or grab some water, I noticed the bow falling off course. This was easily corrected by a small drop of the skeg. I found the skeg system to be robust and versatile. Stellar uses a large skeg blade with a ton of throw. If you want to paddle without thinking of tracking, just drop the skeg down 1/4 of the way and it tracks with no weathercocking. Drop it all the way and it fully locks in with no bow wondering. Running down wind I found I never needed more than 1/2 of the skeg deployed to keep the bow on course.
Oh yes, it’s a three piece!
That literally became an afterthought while paddling. I didn't notice any difference between a standard S-14G2 and the Mod. There was no flex, no drag, really nothing at all to differentiate the performance between these two boats. The only time I would remember that it was a modular kayak is when I'd have to reach further back than normal to adjust the skeg, because its mounting location on the back 1/3 of the kayak. It's also worth mentioning that the 14 Mod is capable of taking a rudder if thats your fancy.
It comes fully plumbed and ready from the factory, however it will require removing the rudder lines each time you take the kayak apart for transport.
Dan’s Full Video Review
Where to test |
Keep a sharp eye out, these Stellar MOD kayaks will be available early this Spring of 2024!
Contact your local Stellar Dealer or Dan at Headwaters Kayak on the west coast to schedule a demo.
About the Author
Dan Arbuckle
Lifelong paddler and stoke broker for paddlesports.
Founder of the Headwaters Kayak channel and West Coast Rep and distributor for Level Six, Edge Kayaks, Melker, Stellar, and Eddyline.