POTENTIAL P-19 BUYER

Ray Boivin (BOIVINRA@ENE.GOV.ON.CA)
Tue, 26 Jan 1999 12:53:46 -0500


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Hi Tom:

I bought my P-19 sight unseen on the basis of the testimonials from other
Potter owners. I have not been disappointed.

I am a new sailor, two seasons so far, and sail the boat primarily on Lake
Superior (Thunder Bay and environs). We have made a few mistakes but
have always, so far, been forgiven by the lake and the boat.

I purchased the boat for its ease of trailer ability and rigging. I sail, with
my family, most weekends, and usually keep the boat in my yard which is
approximately 25 km from the launch site. It would be more convenient to
keep the boat in the water at the local marina and remove it when we
want to sail in farther locations but my finances say that I should save the
marina fees by keeping the boat on its trailer. The boat is easily rigged by
two people (we don't have the mast raising system).

As far as handling goes, I don't have anything to compare to as the P-19
is really the only boat which I have sailed on. So far we have done
numerous overnighters and one eleven day cruise without any significant
problems. We easily stored enough provisions for eleven days, not
including water (Lake Superior is sweet).

My family is made up of four people (two adults and two young kids).
The kids use the quarter berths while my wife and I use the v-berth. The
v-berth is comfortable when you are lying in it but can be a pain to get
into. I usually ask my wife if she would rather have my feet, knees, butt
or elbows in the face as I'm getting in. I am 5'7" tall and weigh 180 lbs.
We find the boat to be quite luxurious primarily because we come from a
sea kayaking and tenting background.

We have had the boat out in some high winds and waves without any
problems (other than our lack of experience). We have a double set of
reef points in the main and the working jib. I have never felt that the boat
was going to let us down.

The cockpit is usually dry although there have been times when going
against a swell with a chop that we will get waves splashing back to the
cockpit. Also I have found it difficult to go upwind against a big swell
with a chop. This may be due to my lack of experience. We usually fall
off the wind and things improve.

For us the boat seems to be safe although we try to be somewhat
conservative. Also, I feel that the boat should last as long as I want to
keep it (look at all the older boats out there). With regards to passengers
who are not used to sailing, I have had seasick relatives who I suspect
would be sick regardless of the size of boat. I usually stay in sheltered
waters when guests are aboard.

I hope my opinions are useful.

Ray
P-19 #953 "Water Wings"
Thunder Bay, Lake Superior