The Point Bennett is named after the westernmost point on San Miguel
Island. The point takes the brunt of the NW wind and swell in Southern
California, and waves break over the many reefs surrounding it. It is
the most challenging point to round in the region.
Design
The Point Bennett is designed to track well in wind and waves, carve
edged turns, and paddle fast. The rocker is moderate at the bow and
minimal at the stern to reduce weather cocking and broaching. The chine
is
fairly low with minimal upsweep to help carve edged turns. Moderate
fullness in the bow and more in the stern increases the effective waterline
length to reduce resistance at high speeds.
Dimensions
Point Bennett 16.75
Length: 16 feet, 9 inches
Width: 20 1/4 inches
Cockpit depth: 11 1/2 inches in front and 7 3/4 inches in back
(add 1 inch for coaming height)
Recommended paddler size: up to 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 150
pounds
Point Bennett 17.5
Length: 17½ feet
Width: 21 inches
Cockpit depth: 12 inches in front and 8 inches
in back (add 1 inch for coaming height)
Recommended paddler size: 5
feet,
6 inches to 6 feet tall and 150 to 180 pounds
Point Bennett 18
Length: 18 feet
Width: 21½ inches
Cockpit depth: 12¼ inches in front and 8¼ inches
in back (add 1 inch for coaming height)
Recommended paddler size: 5 feet, 8 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches
tall and 180 to 210 pounds
Point Bennett Double
Length: 20 feet
Width: 24 inches
Front cockpit depth: 12 inches in front and 9 1/2 inches in back
(add 1 inch for coaming height)
Back cockpit depth: 10 1/2 inches in front and 8 1/2 inches in
back (add 1 inch for coaming height)
Point Bennett next to CD Gulfstream in Newport Harbor,
California.
Photo
by Victor Martin.
Carrying a Load
The Point Bennett can carry a properly distributed load. Packing like
a backpacker, I've had no problems carrying camping gear and food
for trips up to seven days. With
a load the kayak generally handles best with about two-thirds
of the weight
in the rear hatch.
Cabrillo Beach, California. Photo by Dave O'Connor.
Accomplishments
Bay2Bay 20 Mile Race in 03:20:55.
Catalina Island crossings and circumnavigations in 2004 and 2005.
San Miguel Island circumnavigation and crossings to Wilson Rock
and Richardson Rock. Link.
Catalina for
Lunch, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Annual. Link.
Anacapa Island crossings and circumnavigation in 2005.
Catalina
Island crossings and West End circumnavigation in 2006.
Catalina Island crossings in 2007.
Laguna Beach, California. Photo by Victor Martin.
Building the Point Bennett
The instructions for building the Point Bennett are online
at the links below. You may use the instructions to build your
own kayak for non-commercial purposes.
