Putting the Stellar S-14 3 Piece Kayak Through It's Paces

After my last video people had concern that there was a small amount of water in the hatches after one hour of paddling. Truth be told I didn't follow Stellars instructions about using Vaseline on the bolts when putting it together. So I decided it was only fair that I follow their instruction and give it another try. I wanted to give this thing a proper shake down and really push it in some challenging water. The Sacramento River at high flows made for an ideal testing grounds. After a few hours of hard paddling the boat was bone dry. I was left feeling even more impressed and confident in the new design concept. I'm going to continue to push it in this kayak and check in with you guys throughout the season on how it's holding up. As always thanks for tuning in, and Happy Paddlin!
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[@rohlinmt]

My wife and are are kayak novices who love sit-on-top kayaks for exploring lakes and calm rivers. We're still figuring out which ones we're going to buy (right now we just rent from local marina), but your content is great for us as we figure out what we're going to get, and also just for entertainment! Thanks for being our favorite kayaking channel, and we hope you come back soon!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Out here in Arkansas shooting videos as we speak! Thanks for the kind words. Glad the videos are helping you both.

[@mikehunt5637]

Thanks Dan! It was a pleasure watching you work the river like that. I had also heard that Vaseline would prevent any leaking but it was nice to see you test it out in a challenging paddle!

[@Dakiraun]

Pretty awesome that it can handle someone our size. You and I are exactly the same height and weight, and I've found that _so_ many kayaks tend to not have quite enough leg room or deck height around the feet for someone our size. Pretty amazing seal on it too; back when I first started paddling, I remember the instructor making a good point, that "kayak hatches that work right are about 95% water tight", so pretty amazing to see it bone dry after that.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Exactly! Totally dry hatches as very very rare in kayaking. Even my $8000 custom Sterling would have a half cup of water in the rear hatch hafted a day of hard boating. I was impressed by this little kayak.

[@Dakiraun]

@@HeadwatersKayak heh - think you forgot a zero there! Yeah, I have a custom Seaward Shadow and it's not 100% if waves start crashing over it for any length of time. Pretty amazing that a modular kayak can pull of being that water tight. I'm amazed too at how tightly it attaches; you can hardly see the seam once back a few feet from it.

[@razdog76]

I am really digging this boat.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Me too! Hasn't left my car since I got it.

[@TopTurnKayak]

Looks like a fun paddle! I'm impressed by the S14!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It surprises me every time I paddle it. I still prefer my S-16 but the 14’ would take care of a beginner and give them a ton of room to learn and grow.

[@barry4fish19]

Cool video, thanks for sharing. The polyethylene boats with rubber hatch covers (like the Dagger Stratos and WS Tsunami and probably others) seem to stay dryer when you coat the hatch covers and rims with 303 protectant, just before a run like this (or, rolling session). Appears to seal them up better.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

303 on all button style hatches is the way! Keeps them soft and easy to use.

[@ToolEnvy]

I love the paddling tips you provide in these reviews. Great stuff. Thank you.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks. I try to point out what I'm doing in hopes it help others visualize how they can paddle more effectively.

[@riesenification]

Too see the S14 Mod in Oceanwaves, would be cool ;-)

[@heathen_7]

Hey guy! Nice to see ya on the water

[@ellenkroon8444]

I always learn something with your videos- Thank You!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad to hear it! What was your take away from this one?

[@ellenkroon8444]

@@HeadwatersKayak leaning in -in the river and leaning out in flat water! I also learn a lot watching you paddle and pointers along the way.

[@LetsGoPaddling]

Again, a pure pleasure to watch all these maneuvers. This Stellar is a really, really capable kayak... and 8:55 made my day! 🤣 Thanks Dan! 👍

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Tip of the hat to one of the godfathers of modern Sea Kayaking Derek Hutchinson.

[@Markpatrickrich]

I enjoy your videos, all your tips and information you help me choose my kayak I bought a crescent. Crew drove from the Los Angeles area up to headwater kayaks, and the guys help me been enjoying it ever cents would love to come paddle the Sacramento or Lodi. thanks again for all your help, sending you positive energy

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on. Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@loricollins3163]

Waiting on my Eddyline Caribbean 14 FS Angler I ordered from Brian and the Headwaters Adventure Company crew. Looking at you ‘Atmospheric River’! Your reviews as well as the Happy Paddlin’ crew helped me with this decision. Cool edging Dan! Can’t wait to get on the water soon!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on enjoy your new Caribbean.

[@klauswu2914]

Thumbs up for the dry!

[@joecalcagni9615]

Another great video; keep up the good work, Dan! Love your channel and I use you reviews a ton when looking into what kayaks to purchase. Bought a Feelfree Moken 10 v2 based on your review and just sold it for a Crescent CK1 Venture (again, based on your reviews) - both great kayaks, and I thank you for the information you were able to give the community. Something I have noticed and wondered about: a lot of your old videos on Crescent Kayaks and a few other brands with comparisons or reviews seem to be private now. Is there a reason why you no longer feature certain boats? No clue how the whole endorsement or sponsorship process goes for you guys, but it is a bummer when I click on a review video that I really want to see and it won't play 🤣

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for being a longtime fan of the channel. It’s a long story with Crescent Kayaks and not something I prefer to get into here publicly.

[@tallcntryboy71]

Hey Dan. I have to say, I have spent hours watching your videos and have learned so much and I want to thank you for that. I went to a local shop the other day, planning to buy an Eddyline. I'm glad I was able to sit in it but to my disappointment, it wasn't a good fit. I decided on a Delta 12.10. I came home, scrolled through every one of your videos, but couldn't find any reviews on the Delta. Is there any reason why you haven't reviewed that brand kayak? Thanks again for all you do!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ve reached out to them aa couple of times and they’ve never been in a good place to get me kayaks. Hopefully someday I can get in one. I hear the 12.10 is nice, just hard to find.

[@flokiese8075]

Hey, nice video. What's your height? Which max. body size would you recommend this kayak for regarding hatch size and buoyancy?

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Hmm, 20k cfs, 52k cfs and muddy on the Willamette here in Salem. It’s coming down so may get out next week if the weather forecast holds 😊

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Have fun and be safe. High water can be no joke.

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Awesome surfing buddy, with a bit of flashy paddle skills (BACK OF THE HEAD). Just as I said last time that boat does look amazing and you have shown us just how great she handles. But I will stick with the PakAyaK, just so easy to transport and set-up. One last thing Always check your Zips lol

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@danerik.westerlind]

Great video!! Maybe someday I buy a Stellar but they are really expensive and don´t have a dealer in Sweden!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Maybe one day!

[@D3f1anCE]

not gonna lie...i was more interested in the stratos. never seen a video by dan with the dagger....s14 looks like a cool boat though 😁

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I've had a bunch of videos in the dagger, its just been a while. I have a extended review of the Axis 12 coming out soon and a Stratos 14.5 L that I'll be doing a review on at some point this summer. Thanks for checking in.

[@D3f1anCE]

@@HeadwatersKayak Noti's are turned on for that one. cheers dude

[@bogdanmarinescu78]

*its