Hi Folks.
My wife took delivery of a Point 65 Whiskey 16 in August. Paddled it recently and I found it to be one of the most fun sea kayaks I had sat in for a long time. Really agile, nimble and responsive.
The finish on the boat is top quality. and it has some really nice features.
I am now considering buying a new kayak for myself but I want to know if any other members own any of the other point 65 models? In particular the XP takes my fancy. Its a 17\'11 boat and as such is way faster than the whiskey.
Any comments or feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Jon
Calling Point 65 owners
Re:Calling Point 65 owners
Hi Jon, I am paddling a Point 65 XP which I bought in Sweden. The boat is fast and well built and as it is vacuum bagged construction is also as light as some carbon kevlar boats. Reacts well to edge turns and it is a dry ride in big sea. It packs a lot of gear and the deck lines are adequate. The footpegs are the cascade smart track system which is adjustable from the seated position.Hatches are rubber and work well with a spray of silicone to ease them on where they keep the hatches dry.
Down sides : Mine has a skeg and rudder. The skeg is very efficient but the skeg control is a new modification and hard to operate due to the narrow slide and counter sunk lever. The rudder operates simply in a simple pull up and drop down system that is pretty foolproof and its aerofoil construction is efficient. I have yet to manage a good setting for the rudder though. I have found it difficult at times to get it to lee-cock in big wind as it tracks very well. It tends to weather-cock slightly in big wind but this is easily corrected by edging or slight use of skeg. Its soft pedal controls the rudder also and is comfortable on the foot. I have however managed to break one which was replaced immediately under guarantee. (sheared off at the rotation point of the rudder control - supplier says they have had very few - though some, similar faults). The replacement was easy to fit. The paddling position is knee high and the boat is a chined hull making it a bit tippy until you get used to it. It will never have the stability of an explorer but then thats not what I bought it for. There are no knee braces so while rolling is possible it is not as easy as some. I think \'in\' the boat and try not to worry about rolling. The backsupport is a padded rigid band and is simple and comfortable. The seat is ergonomically designed and very comfortable.
So, Its a fast expedition boat thats well finished and looks good and like every boat has some issues to be worked on. Most of them are correctable with practice and experience and I hope it will prove a winner in the long run. Best of luck with your decision
Mick
Down sides : Mine has a skeg and rudder. The skeg is very efficient but the skeg control is a new modification and hard to operate due to the narrow slide and counter sunk lever. The rudder operates simply in a simple pull up and drop down system that is pretty foolproof and its aerofoil construction is efficient. I have yet to manage a good setting for the rudder though. I have found it difficult at times to get it to lee-cock in big wind as it tracks very well. It tends to weather-cock slightly in big wind but this is easily corrected by edging or slight use of skeg. Its soft pedal controls the rudder also and is comfortable on the foot. I have however managed to break one which was replaced immediately under guarantee. (sheared off at the rotation point of the rudder control - supplier says they have had very few - though some, similar faults). The replacement was easy to fit. The paddling position is knee high and the boat is a chined hull making it a bit tippy until you get used to it. It will never have the stability of an explorer but then thats not what I bought it for. There are no knee braces so while rolling is possible it is not as easy as some. I think \'in\' the boat and try not to worry about rolling. The backsupport is a padded rigid band and is simple and comfortable. The seat is ergonomically designed and very comfortable.
So, Its a fast expedition boat thats well finished and looks good and like every boat has some issues to be worked on. Most of them are correctable with practice and experience and I hope it will prove a winner in the long run. Best of luck with your decision
Mick
Re:Calling Point 65 owners
Hi Mick.
Cheers for the detailed feedback. As a matter of interest and you neednt give me exact figures but was the saving significant by buying the boat in Sweden?
Also I havent seen built in bilge pumps on any of their boats? Know of any?
Happy paddling!
Jon
Cheers for the detailed feedback. As a matter of interest and you neednt give me exact figures but was the saving significant by buying the boat in Sweden?
Also I havent seen built in bilge pumps on any of their boats? Know of any?
Happy paddling!
Jon
Re:Calling Point 65 owners
The boat was 550 euro cheaper than the Great Outdoors price. I havnt seen a pump fitted.
Regards
Mick
Regards
Mick