Sterling Kayak FAQ
Standard/Composite Infused Layup
Through the process of infusion we can build a kayak with a perfect resin-to-material ratio. That means: no excess resin in the building materials. This is ideal for paddlers that would like a light, strong layup but don’t want to upgrade to the Carbon/Kevlar layup.
Carbon/composite/infused layup
Our carbon-infused layup is the culmination of technology, research, and years of experience. Using Carbon, Kevlar, infusion-grade resin, and composite reinforcements, we can build a kayak that is both shockingly light and even stronger than the standard/composite/infused layup. This layup takes additional weight off the build.
For the paddler that wants the lightest and strongest performance kayak on the market, the Carbon/Kevlar-infused layup is a must. Though our fiberglass/composite lay-ups are plenty light and strong – and suitable for most any paddler -the carbon/Kevlar infused layup will result in a savings of several pounds while adding additional strength.
- Check your skeg before departing and free up skeg before launching
- Carry a thin blade that will slide up through skeg opening to help dislodge debris
- Use the pull-down string (attached to the skeg blade) this will help you bring the skeg out of the skeg box.
- Rinsing out skeg with water to clean the debris
- Use a thin blade that can slide up through the skeg opening to help dislodge debris
- Contact Sterling Kayaks for additional troubleshooting advice.
Use this entering technique:
- Push your kayak into the water with the bow to the beach and the stern floating in the water
- or put your kayak in the water parallel to the beach – keeping your mid-skeg location off the bottom-now it is time push or paddle away from the beach
- keep your skeg section in the water (not in contact with the bottom) – launch
Use this technique when landing:
- Do not beach your kayak instead stop at water’s edge, with your kayaks mid-skeg area floating in water not making contact with sand, rocks or debris.
- Or you can turn your kayak parallel to the shore this gets you close to the beach but still maintaining a floating position for your skeg
- Do not drag your kayak through rocks, sand or mud, carry your kayak up the beach
If you need to pull your kayak across shallows or beaches drag them by the stern it will lift the skeg area off the bottom/beach.
- We use: 3M Marine liquid wax to maintain the finish on your kayak
- Do not leave stored outside
- If you must store outside in a position that doesn’t hold water and isn’t in the sun
- Consider purchasing a kayak cover for outside storage
We recommend a neoprene spray skirt for the best fit and seal.
- Ice Kap, Illusion and Progression: Use a Seals spray skirt the size is 1.4
- Grand Illusion and Reflection: Use a Seals size 1.7
This is a seat wedge, we ship it unattached in the cockpit or possibly under the seat.
- This wedge is to be placed under your seat if you are feeling too loose in the cockpit and want a tighter contact fit under the deck of your cockpit. Slide it under the seat until you get the fit you want. Try it out, if the fit is right cut off any excess foam sticking out from under the front seat edge apply some contact cement to the top side of the wedge and attach it to the underside of your seat in the right position for you.
- Some people don’t attach them and use them intermittently to change the position of their legs for muscle and cramping relief
- If you need more room for your feet place the seat wedge under your seat it will raise your knees and create a better angle for your feet, giving you more room.
We have this super helpful graphic to answer this exact question!
Current product times are 3-5 months from deposit to domestic delivery. Your kayak options and delivery location could impact the timeframe.
All Sterling Kayaks are sea kayak styles, however, they can go anywhere there is water that you want to paddle in. Rivers, lakes, oceans… or practice pools. Sterling Kayaks know no bounds.