As the former owner of WWP 19 #941 I can tell you that the heavier
4 stroke 5 hp motor on the transom is alot for the stock transom to take.
Not only do you have the weight of the motor to consider, but the torque
of a 4 stoke is greater than a comparable 2 stroke, creating flex in the
transom when the engine is at higher revs.
I had a honda 4stroke 8hp on my potter,(90lbs), and after one season it became
clear that the transom was not up to the challenge. I put aluminum backing
plates on the
outside,(3/8" 14'X14")-
and inside,(3/8" 14"X20")- of the transom.
Even with that beefed up arrangment I _never_ trailered the boat with motor
mounted. Going 55mph on the highway, on good pothole/bounce could rip off the
entire unit. IM was emphatic that trailering with the motor would void the
hull warranty.
As for the tie downs, I kept the two straps connected always so I never had to
figure out that buckle arrangement out again...it helped alot it ease of use.
Again, a 1200+lb boat bouncing on a trailer goin' 55mph is alot of stress on
the winch/cable/bow attachment. Use the strap, keep it tight,
and be safe.
I think the whole rigging/derigging gets easier the more you do it.
A 1/2 hour is pretty good time so I wouldn't worry.
When I sold my boat I walked through the entire
process by memory for the new owner.
Keep the sails and lines on the boom for a quicker set up.
Also I wrapped the shrouds aroung the boom, then through the bow pulpit and
secured with a bungee to the bow cleat. Worked for me!
(note, Use shroud covers for the end of the run)
Also, check out your trailer for tightness of the various components...after
the first trip I found loosning of important components.
Anyway, I've sold my Potter/1st boat to a gentleman in Georgia whom I'm sure
will be joining the list. To see the boat that taught me to sail get
trailered off by another was not much fun...but she went to a great guy and I
know he'll use her well.
Happy Sailing to all,
Dave Reiss
former owner 1997 WWP #941 "Avid Sailor"
current owner 1972 Pearson 26 #395 unnamed as yet.
PS I check this listserve every day and always find something of interest.
Power to the Potter Community!!!
>>I am very new to the West Wight Potter mailing list (since this
weekend), and already I have learned an enormous amount of helpful
information in connection with my Potter.
I would appreciate some advice on my most difficult aspect of Pottering
- trailering.
Once message mentioned the possible need for a reinforced transom if you
plan to trailer with the motor on. I have always trailered without
removing my motor (anything to save time rigging and unrigging). I have
a 4-stroke 5-hp Honda. Is this a problem? Should I mount it on the
trailer during towing?
I quit using the strap which secures the boat to the trailer. It didn't
seem to do much except give me major grief connecting it. Does anyone
feel this is asking for trouble?
Any advice on quickly securing the shrouds would be helpful. This
typically takes me 30+ minutes. I hate lines flying or lying about
during trailering, not only because it seems unsailorly, but anytime one
gets loose, I am almost certain to incur some damage.
Thanks for any advice anyone may have, or any helpful references. (I
have the book "Small Boat Trailering" or something like that.)
Greg Gaston
WWP-19 #808 "Peppermint Patty"
Asheville, NC
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