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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.

I previously gave rave reviews to my Skimmer 128. Literally two months after that review, as I was exiting the kayak onto the dock, my left foot went through the plastic. Fortunately, the boat was just over 2 years old and still under warranty. Lydia at Hurricane made it right and got a new hull shipped out to the dealer in Venice, FL. Technician who looked at the damage thought the plastic was faulty. We just figured I got a defective hull from a bad batch and left it at that.

Except this morning spouse was entering his Skimmer 140 and same exact thing happened, same spot (just ahead of the seat platform). His right foot went right through the plastic when transferring from the dock to the boat.

Examining the replacement kayak I have from the warranty exchange, we noted there is an obvious circular stress mark in the area of the front scupper, and tiny micro-cracks in the area bow-ward of the seat platform. So it's just a matter of time before the replacement gives out also.

So disappointed. I really, really liked that boat. Attractive to look at, tracked great in the water. I've paddled my share of kayaks and this one was my favorite. Always rinsed in fresh water, stored on a Suspenz rack and protected from the sun.

I cannot in good conscience recommend the Hurricane Skimmer of either the 128 or 140 model. Three broken Skimmers in 5 years is not acceptable.

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.