Skimmer 128

So, I am now on my second Skimmer, due to problems with the upper deck cracking and unforeseen issues using a YakALauncher off of a stationary dock. I stand by my appreciation for this boat, it has been a super easy boat to paddle, even when out in choppy water in Charlotte Harbor. It is so light and easy for handle off the water. Glides and tracks so nicely, minimal weight shifts for maneuvering in narrow mangrove tunnels, it was awesome and so not-expected in a SOT rec boat. Out on open water, could really move right along and keep up with everyone.

I dropped my new rating to 4 stars because this may not be the boat for you if using a (even a floating pontoon) launching system to enter and exit this ABS product. Hurricane states these boats cannot be used in the v-shaped, roller-style launches, so we intentionally avoided that type, opting for a different system that floats/steadies the boat between pontoons, making for a safer entry in deep water. Ours is a deep water, stationary dock. On salt water, tides can make or break a paddling day and we wanted to level the playing field, so to speak.

Lydia at Hurricane is doing her level best to help both my spouse (his Skimmer 140 also cracked). They really do get Five Stars for their customer service and that means something to us. There seems to be an issue with the rigid contact points (scuppers for the most part) with respect to putting any weight onto the deck. I am hoping Hurricane's design team will make useful design changes to strengthening their product in the future to help avoid problems.

Word of advice, would not recommend a Skimmer if intended entry and exit use any kind if a launch system. If you are always in shallow water or your dock floats so entry is basically low level you should be good to go.

Better than anticipated from this old lady paddler. When I was younger (much younger) I became heavily involved in whitewater paddling after a stint with Outward Bound. Spent a whole lot of time on the big rivers of Colorado (where I lived), Arizona and Utah. Then life took over, kids came into the picture and things got pretty average. Paddling was no longer on my radar. Amazing how that happens. Now I am an experienced paddler so I probably still have some residual skills somewhere and maybe this won't apply to a raw beginner, but I've paddled with friends that wanted to try the boat (beginners) and they've all loved it. After retiring, I looked to pick up paddling again but this time in the coastal estuaries and rivers and bays of SWFL. No more fast water for me. Weight was important as was build quality. I landed on the Skimmer 128 after paddling a whole lot of boats (SInKs and SOTs). It is an easy boat to paddle, tracks really well and for a SOT has a quite comfortable seating system. I like the adjustable foot pegs (I have short legs). It isn't overly affected by the winds/currents while out in the harbor or other open areas. At only 13' it is super easy to navigate the mangrove tunnels (using a whitewater paddle). It is light enough that this not very tall, 62 yr. old lady can hoist it up on the Yakima ShowDowns (I drive a Toyota FJ) and push/pull it all in place pretty easily. I practiced dumping it (took some real effort to roll it) and it so easy to get back into. Not a big fan of the molded in water bottle holder and there should be paddle straps on both sides. Also would like to be able to more easily remove the seat so I can give it a good soapy washing and chase the anoles out. Yikes. I recommend this moderately-priced boat whole-heartedly.

Seeking to replace my Hurricane Phoenix 140, purchased new and used for fishing since 2005, I opted to stay with the made in the USA (North Carolina) Hurricane line, due mainly to my terrific experience with the Phoenix, Lydia in Customer Service, and the lighter weight of the Hurricane line, which shuns rotomolding in favor of Trylon (thermoformed ABS.) While the longer Phoenix with its aftermarket seat, anchor trolley, and rodholders weighed in at 60 pounds, the Skimmer 128 with its adjustable, comfortable and integral "Airestream" seat and aftermarket rodholders and Scotty comes in at under 50, perfect for my 5'8" and 160 lb,, 68 year old body throwing it up onto the TrakRak of my pickup. No cart or dolly needed. The lighter weight comes at perhaps a 25% increase in price, well worth it for ageing me. Both kayaks purchased from The Dinghy Shop in Amityville, NY.

At first surprised that an angler version wasn't offered in the 128, I quickly realized that it allowed me to customize to my heart's content. I added flushmount rodholders to port and starboard behind the seat on flat sections large enough to do so, and use them for a second rod and a landing net. Forward, I added a Scotty using a backplate since I could access it through the bow hatch, putting it on the sloped console and just in front of a bottle holder. I admit I added a suction cupped bottle holder courtesy of Amazon as the integral bottle holder was a bit too close to the Scotty. Although it’s a stretch, I can grab my rod from the Scotty and troll and catch fish from it as well. I used through bolt and nut for the forward anchor trolley pulley, using that well-placed bow hatch, and well nuts for the stern, putting pad eyes on with stainless screws and Marine Goop. With the Phoenix, I was comfortable with the foot stops all the way forward, with knees still bent somewhat. With this Skimmer 128, I have to move the foot stops halfway in as it would really fit a guy at least half a foot taller than I. Another plus is the 5.5 inch hatch directly in front of my seat. My truck keys, small needlenose and Iphone fit in them and for the first time I find myself using my cell while fishing. I have yet to use the stern 5.5" hatch but it came in handy when I added a flush mount Scotty for my safety flag. While the initial stability of this yacht designer's hull is a little more "tippy" than the Phoenix, secondary stability seems good and in 15kt wind and one foot bay chop I was able to turn, head into it, and retreat with it without incident. Despite it being shorter, the Skimmer 128 seems as fast and easy to paddle as the Phoenix, actually tracks better, and is definitely more maneuverable. In the aforementioned wind and chop I utilized a DIY drift sock, made from a canvas grocery bag, and experimented with the anchor trolley I installed, afixing the carabiner bow, stern and amidship. I got mine in mango orange, preferring a bright color for visibility in these busy Long Island, NY waters. I should add that after fourteen seasons in the sun, the Phoenix never lost its gloss and I expect the same from the Skimmer. I took the aforementioned Lydia's advice and unscrewed the generously padded seat bottom and sewed on and taped velcro in order to take it off and easily wash down after each saltwater paddle and allow thorough drying. Speaking of which, if I didn't hose the seat bottom down, it would not have gotten wet. While I wear bathing trunks kayaking, I have yet to come home with a wet derriere, and the Great South Bay is no pond. I did however have one washover from a passing yacht, whose owner was an apparent newbie, coming off plane when he approached and of course throwing a much bigger wake. No biggie. While it may not matter to some, this is also one exceptionally good looking kayak. Of course I shun pedals and rudders (rudders are an affordable option) so the look is pretty streamlined, especially with its raked bow. Definitely worth more than a look !"

Overall I've been very happy with the boat. I've had it for about a month now and put at least 4 miles a week on it. Hurricane's niche is lightweight, and they certainly deliver.

I'm 6'2", 200lb and can easily maintain a 4mph pace all day in light conditions. To go much faster though, I really have to put a lot of effort in, with minimal results in return. The boat tracks well, is easy to steer and is very stable. I can stand up without any difficulty.

In rough conditions (2ft waves and winds of 8-12) the boat still handles well, but requires some maintenance to keep on track. White caps are the limit for this hull. In 4ft+, with waves every 4-8 seconds the boat has almost no stability as there isn't enough hull in the water to maintain balance.

If you're looking for a well made, lightweight recreational kayak that is easy to use and just plain enjoyable, you'll love the Skimmer 128.

I just bought a Hurricane Santee Sport 11'6 kayak taking it out tonight for it's Maiden voyage. I am already liking the weight as I can finally lift the Kayak myself. Had two others and their both a like lift a BEAR!! Now I will be lifting a baby Fawn!!

I've had my Hurricane Skimmer 128 for about a year. I paddle inland lakes and rivers almost exclusively. I've paddled many boats and this is my current favorite. Previously my QCC 600X kevlar/carbon was my best paddling boat, but back and hip issues prevent me from maintaining the nearly straight legged sitting position of a sit inside kayak.

A sit on top cannot compare with the feeling of being one with your boat that a snug sit inside kayak provides, and the Skimmer is no exception. It is wider, rides higher and catches more wind than a sit inside, even though I weigh about 170 lbs. But the trade off is that I can now paddle for hours without pain.

A huge bonus is that, magically, the Skimmer tracks better for me than any previous boat--even my QCC. I used to need to take frequent corrective strokes. Unless the wind is very strong, I track straight and true in the Skimmer. I can also lift and carry it short distances. It is beautiful with a glassy finish that suction cups stick to well (compass, etc), the ABS like material is tougher than you would expect, the Skimmer has a lot of dry and wet storage, and is a great boat to take our 10 lb. dog out--he is a bow rider and there is room for us both in the cockpit. I do use some anti skid material for him to get a grip, though. My 225+ lb. husband paddles my Skimmer 128 with no problem. He is thinking of getting a Skimmer 14 for himself.

Pros: great tracking, maneuverable, light and fast paddling, fantastically comfortable and adjustable seat, roomy, stable, a lot of storage, light weight, beautiful.

Cons: extra buoyancy means it rides high, wish it was narrower and the seat well was lower, needs a decent cup holder or spot to attach a carabiner.
Otherwise, a great boat!

Almost perfect! My silver Skimmer is a beautiful boat to look at, and a pleasure to paddle. It is quiet, fast, and I haven't needed a scupper plug yet to have a dry ride. Lots of dry storage, and the rear well is large enough for my cart.

It is just a personal preference, but since I often have to boat up the evening before a paddle to get an early start, and since I live in Florida, it would have been better for me to have a removal seat that wouldn't get rained on during the night. The seat itself is very comfortable and adjustable, and I don't doubt I'm in the minority about that feature.

Other SOTs that I have paddled (Tarpon 100, Hurricane Phoenix 120, Perception Tribe 9.5 and Perception Tribe 11.5) don't come close to the performance and beauty of this boat.