Illusion
 A touring kayak that is also a good play boat.
A kayak created to surpass expectations in wind, waves and combined coastal conditions.

Illusion  © 09/09  updated 04/19
​ 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 
Jillian Rivas-Davila in her Illusion
Picture


​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

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 brace
  • security pin/grab handle behind combing
  • 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