Andy Sallee
Beatrix, P19-854
-----Original Message-----
From: David Reiss <DaveReiss@compuserve.com>
To: wwpotter <wwpotter@tscnet.com>
Date: Thursday, March 04, 1999 8:25 PM
Subject: Trailering w/ motor...Bad idea!
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> West Wight Potter Website at URL
> http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>Greg,
>
>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
>------------------------------