Why you need a Stellar SEL :)

Stellar SEL – long, lean, fast – but amazingly stable. Low profile = less wind deflection.

I just took delivery of a new Stellar SEL, Advantage layup, specially outfitted from Stellar with an interchangeable over-stern rudder for river use (while still allowing quick installation of the under-stern rudder for big-water use).  It’s much like the classic story of two lovers who meet for a brief time, then drift away, only to be reunited later for a “happily ever after” ending.  Just in water craft form.

I first encountered the SEL while visiting a boat dealer I was helping in Traverse Bay, MI.  Not having a boat with me, he loaned me an SEL in the Advantage Layup to go play on Traverse Bay.  And play I did!  I had an absolute blast in the SEL, marveling at the stability exhibited by the boat in spite of a low-resistance hull.  I almost ordered one in carbon, but didn’t quite follow through.

My next encounter came at the recent Stellar dealer conference in Virginia Beach, VA.  There I had the opportunity to play with a pair of SEL’s, one in Advantage Layup and the other in Excel Layup.  Just like I remembered, the SEL was a marvelous combination of speed and stability.  A boat that just begs you to go play, to search out waves and speed boat wakes, just laughing and giggling while running through all manner of water.  The joy of my original encounter was once again confirmed.  It was time to get one.

I wasn’t really quite ready to get another boat yet, but for various reasons  the new SEL ended up in my garage.  And I’m thrilled.  I don’t think there’s anything I enjoy paddling as much (although the new SR is close).  Some of the factors that make this such a wonderful boat are standard Stellar fare, such as the 3-point foot plate, built-in leash attachment point, pluggable bailer, curved  hull that rides over weeds and leaves instead of picking them up, sharp entry and exit lines on the bow and stern to reduce drag, and the extra stiff and strong, but light hull.  But there’s something magical about this boat, a stability that rivals intermediate surf skis while a speed capability that ranks with some of the fastest boats, allowing many paddlers to generate their maximum performance.

I needed this boat.  You might also. 🙂  If you’re interested, give me a call at 260-452-6447.

Optional over-stern rudder I had installed by Stellar on my SEL. This allows me to paddle on rivers with little worry about rock, logs, etc. under the water, as the rudder will kick-up if it hits something.

With the over-stern rudder installed, switching back to the under-stern for big water is fast and easy. Just remove the dummy rudder post, mount the under-stern rudder (shown), and pull the cord to lift the over-stern. Alternately, the over-stern can be removed with a 90 degree twist.

Very solid 3-point foot-plate with straps and rudder pedals. Most solid arrangement in the industry, and quickly adjustable.

Pluggable bailer, for those times when you’re not in waves and you want to keep the water out at the start. Note that the bailer is attached to a solid leash attachment point. Good insurance when the waves are big!

Cockpit of the SEL. Rounded seat, lots of adjustment in the solid, 3-point foot-plate.

SEL hull. Notice the sharp entry and clean lines.