Illusion

 Design Goal 
The Illusion was designed for performance.  A touring kayak that is also a good play boat. We listened to what our paddlers wanted and set out to produce a kayak that would surpass their expectations in wind, waves and combined coastal conditions.

Their list:
  -Light and strong
  -Easy to roll
                -Responsive in all conditions 
    -Safety rigging
    -Trouble free skeg
-Boat control by edging and stroking-
bonus - it surfs 

Specs

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                                                                                                                 © 09/09 SKF
                                                                                                    last update  04/19

Illusion Specs 

  • Average Paddler Size 145 - 200 lbs
  • ​Length:              16'  10"
  • Beam:                21.5"
  • Weight:             38 - 48 lbs
  • ​ Volume            10.1 cu.ft.
  • Cockpit Size    16" x 32-5/8"
  • Cockpit coaming height:
  • Forward      11-3/4"
  • Aft                7-3/4"
  • Hatch Lids
               Front 10" round
               Dayhatch 8" round
               Rear Oval    17-1/4 x 10 in
              Load Capacity       315 lbs
Jillian Rivas-Davila in her Illusion
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  • ​​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
  • Large Sea Dog High Performance Hatches 10" forward, 8" day hatch,       17-1/4" x 10" 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​                                                                   
  • Common ​Options:

    Custom bulkhead placement
    wear strip
    custom gelcoat design options
    bulkhead in lieu of foot pedals
Kayak Hipster - After getting the chance to test most of Sterling's fleet, I fell in love with the Illusion. This is a recount of how I came to that conclusion, along with my review/overview of the Illusion over the last 9 months.
Warren Williamson @ Deception Pass, WA
Paddling a Sterling Illusion
In what we think is possibly the
greatest kayaking ever captured on video
Chris and I headed out to play in some waves, and even though we only got 1-2 footers, we still had a blast. We focused on basics, and just enjoyed ourselves.
Dusting off the Cobwebs -Kayak Hipster