S12 Recreational Kayak Stellar Kayaks & Surf Skis

An overview of the popular S12 recreational kayak
Stellar Kayaks & Surf Skis
Web: www.stellarkayaksusa.com
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[@barry4fish19]

Mike-Your comments are the only ones available for the S12, it’s tough to find any customer reviews anywhere, not even on the Stellar owners forum on Facebook. I see only one KZbin video that shows an on-the-water review for this model (Dan at Headwaters Kayak). The dealer nearest to me said there is currently about a 3-4 month turn around for any newly ordered boats. Many dealers don’t stock an S12 because they sell more surf-ski models and the longer kayaks, but I wanted one of these for the speed and light weight.

[@mikecoglione1308]

Hey sorry I never saw you replies yes its really too bad. Most people who want to dish out that kind of money want to go really fast but I am 6'4". I don't want to roll, flip or do any of that craziness. I just like to go out and fitness paddle, I don't race. My go to boat is the S14 G2 but I use the S12 in more restricted waters or having to carry it longer distances or if going out with a buddy or the wife. But by the time you get to Stellar you are likely already into a higher skill level above the S12 and don't want to leave speed on the table.. Me, because of my height I know I will never feel comfortable in a tippy boat like that, ever. I have been told to take lessons and keep practicing, well I have for years actually and I still don't feel comfortable in true sea kayaks or anything truly considered "fast". I know I have likely hit my plateau and am OK with that. I live in colder climate and enjoy paddling BECAUSE I don't want to go in the frigid waters so prefer a stable boat.

[@mikecoglione1308]

We also have one of these, started with this one years ago and got into Stellar boats that way. It's impressive because of how it blends stability and speed. Huge upgrade over say a Tsunami. It's shockingly fast for a boat this short and stable, picks up speed right away and just wants to go, go, go. It tracks really well (but isn't playful and lacks maneuverability, you can't have both) especially when the water gets big and ugly waves without getting too tippy. Don't get fooled by the recreational name this can be totally used as a sea kayak in big conditions especially by those that aren't used to more tippy, dodgy boats that tend to flip. The seat like all Stellars is awful though. Wish they used better padding like Wilderness systems but you can get the clamshell insert from Stellar, remove the padding and use the bolts to fasten that one in place of the original. Don't just slap on the clamshell because it will raise your center of gravity; you can tell a difference in tippiness. Highly recommended as a do it all boat stable enough you can fish out of, light enough to take into restricted places in the wilderness but will easily deal with big seas.

[@barry4fish19]

I finally got mine, it was on order for about 8 months. I just love it. Such a sleeper, if people test paddle one of these, they will want one. Super fast, stable, easy to handle, excellent quality construction too. This will easily keep up with many 14 foot kayaks. Only 33 pounds in the Advantage layup. I do the usual water launch, walk in up to my ankles and straddle it. I think the seat has been improved, the comfort is better than I expected.

[@mikecoglione1308]

I got an S14 G2 as well and yes find the newer seats are a bit better. Not great but better than the ones for a few years ago. Wilderness systems seats still are probably the most comfortable in the industry. I don't paddle my S12 much my wife likes it but I prefer the G2 S14 as its just as stable but much, much faster. That said the S12 is the more portable. But yah for a beginning kayaker if that's all you ever buy and are prepared, like you and I, to water launch it and not have it come in contact with rocks, sand or boat ramp, it will likely be the only boat you'll ever want. The S14 is just a little less stable, but much faster. Honestly I think the S14 has the stability and speed equation better because it gives up only a little in tippiness but gets so much faster. But if you come from just plastic rec boats the S12 is not that much less stable but simply flies, absolutely hauls ass and will simply blow anything of that length out of the water. @@barry4fish19

[@joaquindariasarteaga5891]

Please, one for Canary Island, Spain, thank you, HAPPY DAY

[@joaquindariasarteaga5891]

Good good, muy marinera