Nelo models getting confusing

Nelo had had a more or less logical surfski assortment for a while. The model numbers from 510 to 560 were logical, showing the clear differences and categories.
The first confusion was the Vanquish which is supposed to fit between the 550 and the 560 somehow without following the earlier model number sequence.

But this year they really dropped the ball.
They came up with a new model numbering and products while still offering the old ones which made the whole product line very confusing.
They introduced the 62 (why not 620?) a model which was clearly an answer for the critics of their short boat concept.
They also introduced a model called 61. But it seems to be the same as the 62 only 10cm shorter. What is the point of that?
Now they also have a 52 and 54. These completely overlap the old 520 and the 540 models only without the bungee and by using bullet scuppers instead of bailers.
Can anyone see the bigger picture here?

"They also introduced a model called 61. But it seems to be the same as the 62 only 10cm shorter. What is the point of that?"
Lower volume for lighter paddlers?

mrcharly wrote:

"They also introduced a model called 61. But it seems to be the same as the 62 only 10cm shorter. What is the point of that?"
Lower volume for lighter paddlers?

As they offer all their boats in 3 volumes ML, L and XXL it is not the reason.

MMaister wrote:

The first confusion was the Vanquish which is supposed to fit between the 550 and the 560 somehow without following the earlier model number sequence.

They seem to like the name Vanquish -- they've used it also for their flat water kayaks. Something that obviously doesn't reduce the confusion ...

It is hard to conclude anything from their website. Although they traditionally provide the size options MMaister mentioned (ML, L, & XXL), the new models currently only mention a L size option on their website. In addition to the slight differences already cited in this discussion I believe I have notice very slight differences in the hip widths listed for the newer models.

Other than possibly being in the process of replacing the XX0 (520, 540, etc.) skis with the XX (52, 54, etc.) skis I have no idea what they are doing. (Totally baffled)

Any distributors/dealers/owners in the know about some other design differences (dimensions aren't everything) or what Nelo's plan is???

mrcharly wrote:

"They also introduced a model called 61. But it seems to be the same as the 62 only 10cm shorter. What is the point of that?"
Lower volume for lighter paddlers?

The 61 is the same width as the 62, but according to what is on their website is designed to be more stable and better surfing. That is analogous to what they did with the vanquish, which has identical dimensions to the 560, but is more stable and better surfing. I own a vanquish and absolutely love the way it goes downwind. I imagine the 61 will be a very good ski as well.

Agree, it makes zero sense to have 11 skis, also with some models in different sizes.
Looking at the site it looks to me that the models 52, 54, 61, 62 are replacing 520, 540, 550, 560.
and Vanquish was a market test for the new series to ensure "product market fit".

The 500 series also came in L first

With the new price winning 400, we may see a 510-update soon.

Will be fun to see!

(meanwhile I'm very happy with my new v10 4G

But the Vanquish seemingly has nothing to do with the new series. It is built like the old ones with bungee and bailer valve. They might thought that the jump between the 550 & 560 was too big so they made a boat to fill the gap and as they didn`t want to call it 555 they just pulled their all time favourite name " Vanquish" from the pool

Anyway....they really messed up the product line. Actually I am considering to buy a Vanquish, but now I don`t know what is happening with these "old" designs and if they eventually will be replaced in the near future. And there is no explanation from Nelo or their dealers.

Petfus wrote:

Agree, it makes zero sense to have 11 skis

I thought that was aimed at me and the contents of my garage and I started to feel defensive!

I don’t know if the 500 series boats will be retired or if they will still be available. I am lead to believe that Nelo still believes in the advantages of shorter boats, but are trying to accommodate what the market demands with the longer boats. I don’t know if the shorter skis will be fully retired, or if they will still be available.

In my opinion short skis have real benefits. Transport and storage are a breeze of course. And they are exciting to paddle. But the reactivity that makes them fun can also be a downside in certain conditions. There is definitely an adjustment period if you are used to long skis.

Totally agree it's very confusing since Oscar left. Like which one should be faster, 560 or 62?

One thing I see from the pictures is that the new 52 and 54 have cheaper finishing than the 520 and 530 had. Not only they removed the bailer (like the 62, ok), but they also used the older rudder hatch cover model (triangular shape like nelo cinco instead of the newer round shaped from nelo sete and newer K1s).

Talked to my dealer, who has a good relationship with Nelo.

Sounds like the two digit models will replace the three digit models. (Nelo has a new head of Surfski after Oscar, so some new ideas are reasonable). I’m guessing you’ll still be able to custom order the three digit models for a while.

The 52,54 are the same hull as the 520/540. The changes to the 2 digit lineup apply here: no bungies, no bailer, and (importantly to me) a non-tapering footwell so there’ll be more space for bigger feet/some potential to have space between your heels. The footplate now also has a 3 point contact system for rigidity.

The 61/62 are new designs. I don’t have a ton of info on the new hulls as no one in the US has one. (Personal opinion) the 62 is a pure race boat and long enough to shut up all the naysayers about short boats. I think the 61 is a 550/560/vanquish replacement. It is supposed to be more stable, but other than maybe a lower seat, it is not clear to me from the specs what makes it so. Perhaps a flat section under the paddler?

The gray air layup is a new slightly tougher air layup with a covered seam. It comes out of the mold with a matte finish, and is delivered matte I believe. No color options other than the stickers No info other than that. I don’t know if they’ve added back the metal receivers for the wave deflector and leash plug. It’s about 2lbs heavier. (Opinion) Perhaps the Kevlar tape seam wasn’t well regarded?


(Speculation)Seems like the Vanquish was perhaps a one-off and will be sunsetted or maybe some of its design ideas will be incorporated into a new model. It was designed by Oscar as a fast downwind machine (which I think it is quite good at). It had an exaggerated concavity compared to the other 5xx models, chines behind the paddler, and was generally pretty unique. ‘Short’, agile, quick to accelerate. Not a stellar flatwater boat however IMO.

Thanks cope07. Good info to have. I can vouch that Oscar’s vanquish is an amazing downwind tool!

A few more thoughts:

-I am also pretty confident that all the new models will come in the the same 3 sizes. I've already talked to the dealer about a 61 XXL.

-Not sure if the 61/62 have the same hull concept with the bumps down at the feet and the concavity under the seat. From the photos it looks like a more 'traditional' rocker profile.

Great info, thank you.
It does make sense that a new product owner will bring new ideas to the table but some sort of communique about the changes and plans would be great. A wider footwell is deffinitely welcome, and I hope that the bungee will remain available at least as an option.

You mentioned a covered seam? Sorry not so sure about that, well technically it's covered, but with what? Please check with the dealer or manufacturer and confirm what they have done. I very much doubt there is a taped seam.

As for the mat finish, almost impossible to clean and be very careful removing stickers. I did and the paint came with them!

I meant to say they went back to approach they had with the 5xx series where the hull-deck seam is covered in gelcoat instead of the kevlar tape of the vanquish air layup.

As for the matte finish, I've not seen it in person, but it's supposed to be different than their old matte finish. Previously they had sanded, or just 'not fully polished' the gelcoat to get a matte finish. The new gray boats come out of the mold with a (different) matte finish. No idea how it holds up/cleans/handles stickers.

Yes, I did assume you thought that about the seam. I suggest you check if that is so.

From what I know there is no gelcoat, the ski is painted with a base coat and then a matt clear acrylic finish and there is no seam tape under the paint as you assume.