Grand Illusion
For an average size paddler-Grand Illusion delivers a high performance touring kayak that doubles as an Expedition kayak.
For a larger paddler the Grand Illusion delivers a high performance kayak that fits and doubles as an Expedition Kayak.


The Grand Illusion delivers the ability to have a touring kayak that doubles as an Expedition kayak.
This kayak fits people between 150 on up to the mid-300 lb range.
In addition to touring and expedition use the Grand Illusion has play boat characteristics and fabulous performance.  
The cockpit has easy entry and exit room, and there is plenty of room to accommodate large foot size.

​An actual performance kayak for camping, expeditions with an extra bonus of 
performing well for larger paddlers!

 New Kayak design takes years of development and testing. 

Reg Lake, explorer, inventor and one of the original developers of Kayaking Sport in the USA helped Sterling with the testing of this design.  It took about a year for completion of this model.
Our intent was to build a kayak that would carry
an average paddler and a very large payload
or
a very large paddler and an average payload.
 Goal--create a kayak with very secure stability while retaining the sportiness, speed, quick response to edge turns  and agility of our other models . 
If you like sporty, the Grand Illusion is sporty enough to surf
Forwards and Backwards!
Input from our customers tell us goals accomplished!
Specs
Average Paddler weight:  150 lbs thru mid 300 lbs  
(we have fit people in the mid 300 lb range)  
-Length:     17'3"
-Beam:   23.5"
-Weight:   41-54 lbs

- volume: 14 cu ft

-cockpit opening:  17 1/2" x 32 1/2"
--cockpit height front:  12  1/2" 
​--cockpit height rear:  8 1/4"

-front hatch round 10 in 
-dayhatch round 8 in
-rear hatch lid oval  17-5/8 x 12-7/8 in 
- Load Capacity: 425 lbs

Standard Features

  • Strong-Lite lay-ups are a proprietary lay-up which delivers: Kayaks 10% to 25% lighter than competitors. Eco friendly bagging of quality materials produces optimum strength to weight. These two combined create unequalled strength and lightweights!
  • Radiused cockpit combing for lay-back rolls, cockpit is ergonomic and has added thigh braces
  • security pin/grab handle behind combing
  • Large Sea Dog High Performance Hatches 10" forward, 8" day hatch,       17-5/8" x 12-7/8" oval rear hatch
  • Recessed deck fittings
  • Internally attached foot braces-no leaking
  • 2 Lightweight beveled bulkheads and an "L" shaped dayhatch to increase space in rear compartment.
  • Proprietary inside/outside seam joint
  • Paddle float arrangement
  • Lift Handles
  • Joe Greenley Custom seats -custom comfort
  • Sea Dog quick adjust pedals
  • Perimeter ropes and bungee's
  • Proprietary designed and built skeg " Skeel" (aft central retractable skeg with kink free cable design)
  • Water safety inspection before leaving the shop​   
      ​Options:
        Custom bulkhead placement
         fiberglass  wear strip
         custom gelcoat design options
         bulkhead in lieu of foot pedals

Performance Videos

Reg Lake smooth as always demonstrates the tracking ability of the Grand Illusion's central skeg
Spencer Jones in the Grand Illusion @ Skookumchuck Narrows, BC