Stellar SR - Series 1 and 2

Hey all. Is there an easy sure fire way of telling the difference between a series 1 Stellar SR and the much better series 2? Just want to make certain I am going to get what i am suppose to be paying for. Cheers Jeff

(I've forwarded this to my contacts at Stellar, will post if I get a response.)

Oiddad,

Here are some photos to help identify:
SR-1: Series 1 on the left, Series 2 on the right



SR-2: Series 1 closest (foreground)



SR-4: Series 1 (on the left)




Also I'm pretty sure on the HIN number (12 characters at rear - starboard side) should have 515 or 516(if it's new) as the last three characters.


Take no notice of the Andersen bailer (& tenis ball) that's a custom modification by me.

Thank you very much guys, particularly Simon for the pics.

Thanks very much guys, particularly Simon for the pics. I am looking to get my wife onto skis after paddling kayaks for some time. She has had a go of the SEI but we feel the SR would be more suitable for now. Again thanks.
Jeff

The Second generation boat has dual drain plugs and venturis.

Front & Rear handles were only on the Series 2 SR


SR Series 2 - These are my two current ones:

Having owned and paddled both (still have the Series 2 SR - Excel) there is a big difference between both boats. This is due to the Series 2 having much less volume, the seat being moved forward and slightly skinnier. Whereas with the Series 1 you felt as if you were sitting "on" it, with the Series 2 you are sitting "in" it. Much narrower catch, faster and slightly less stable than the Series 1.

Cheers,
Mick

Taffymick I see you also paddle a SLR!. So have I for only a short time. How do you find it? I ask because after paddling skis I feel as though I am 'rolling' in it a little. When it does get sideways chop and confused water it really wants to see me in the water. I'm assuming I'll get use to the boat. Some have suggested I'm too light for it (85kg) and may benefit by placing sone ballast in the cockpit with me perhaps 3-5litre water bladder?
What are your thoughts?
CHeers Jeff

Hi Jeff,

The advice is right. It is a big person's boat, insomuch as I have 30kg on you and the SLR1 paddles perfectly for me. I have had mine since last August and use it for club Time Trials, fitness training and the odd PaddleNSW marathon series race. Having come from sea kayaks to skis, racing the SLR1 is like paddling an old friend (in most conditions).

The trick with the SLR is to get it trimmed right. Got to get that bow down into the water as the SLR has minimal rocker. It is a flat water, bay and estuary racing hull. You are not going to get runs on it (you do get minimal assistance downwind) and it can take some getting used to in side wind and chop. But as the old saying goes...practice makes perfect. The other thing is to learn to brace with your knees/thighs under the cockpit lip.

Now, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is get a Bumfortable foam seat. Most of us who race Sladecraft SLRs, Flashes or Comets have fitted these. You can get the kevlar seat base off Greg Slade and the bumfortable seat off him or Pro Kayaks in Sydney. Why the bumfortable seat? Much lower centre of gravity and enables you to brace and leg drive much more efficiently and above all...avoid the numb bum syndrome!

Only problem I have with the SLR1 is club time trials. I keep improving my time and the buggers keep increasing my handicap!

Mick

PS. Found that maximum strength Araladite is the best glue to attach the seat to the base. 10 months and still going strong for me.

Oiled
Do not know where you are located but I have a 2016 Stellar Excel SR )Gen. 2) in like new condition for sale. You can see pics. on Wesley Echols Surfsracing.com site.