NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Other Kayaks => Topic started by: bmb on June 14, 2017, 04:04:51 PM

Title: Hurricane Skimmer 116 Ultimate with First Class Seat - Review
Post by: bmb on June 14, 2017, 04:04:51 PM
So I had a chance to try out this kayak this weekend at the CCK Paddlefest.

I felt that the kayak paddled pretty well.  Good speed, same sweet glide as other thermoformed boats.  The first class seat was very comfortable.  However, I felt that the kayak was a bit tippy from a primary stability standpoint, and I believe that is a combination of the first class seat position and the hull design.  I think that the kayak has definite benefits of being one of the lightest weight SOTs with a comfortable seat option, which makes it safer than a SIK in case of swamping.  However, I don't know how comfortable I would feel trying to fish in it all day long.

Verdict?  Good rec boat for flatwater paddling.  Difficult to add accessories for fishing. I hope to see some progression in their thermoformed line.

Specs:
42 lbs / 19.05 kg
11’6” long / 3.5 m
30.5” wide /77.47 cm
300 lbs. / 136.1 kg

http://hurricaneaquasports.com/our-kayaks/sit-on-tops/skimmer-116-ultimate/

(http://hurricaneaquasports.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/skimmer-116-ultimate-blue-1.jpg)

-bmb
Title: Re: Hurricane Skimmer 116 Ultimate with First Class Seat - Review
Post by: yakyakyak on June 14, 2017, 04:47:24 PM

Just curious, do you drill the thermoformed hulls just like plastic hulls?

BTW, nice and lite!  Very cool.

Title: Re: Hurricane Skimmer 116 Ultimate with First Class Seat - Review
Post by: NowhereMan on June 14, 2017, 06:06:21 PM
Just curious, do you drill the thermoformed hulls just like plastic hulls?

Yes, but you need to be more careful, as it can chip or crack.
Title: Re: Hurricane Skimmer 116 Ultimate with First Class Seat - Review
Post by: bmb on June 14, 2017, 09:17:35 PM
Just curious, do you drill the thermoformed hulls just like plastic hulls?

Yes, but you need to be more careful, as it can chip or crack.
I use masking tape before i drill. you need to use a sharp drill bit and go slow.  i back EVERYTHING in thermo boats, no simple rivets.  So if it doesn't have internal access to properly back the mount, its not good enough for me to mount on.  threaded backing plates help as you can theoretically use yakattack rigging bullets.  I'll be getting my new thermoform fairly soon and I'll put together a build thread.