The Lonely Reefer

Kellan Hatch (khatch@uswest.net)
Wed, 17 Mar 1999 21:09:01 -0700


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Yesterday, on my second time out in my P-19 I found myself in heavy
weather and had to reduce sail for the first time. I was very glad I
bought the jiffy reefing system and a working jib. Fortunately, I had a
friend along to take the helm, but afterword I started wondering what
would be the correct way to reef and change down if I were sailing
single-handed. I've read a bit about it in general but I would love to
hear from experienced Potterers about the particulars as they relate to
the best procedure for the P-19.

Also, as I was bouncing around on the foredeck I somehow dropped the jib
tack shackle, or whatever you call it, overboard and it is now
decorating the bottom of the Great Salt Lake, along with my jib downhaul
block. Fortunately I had a small shackle that was adequate for a
temporary replacement. Anyway, I ran out today and started shopping
for better hardware. Any guidelines or observations concerning
quick-release hardware and nonobtrusive ways to tether pins, shackles,
ect. in case they get fumbled?

Ok, just one more. (I feel like I've got more questions in me than my
4-year-old). I'm not really impressed by the seal, or lack thereof,
between my hatch and companionway door (approx. 1/4 inch gap). I was
pretty careful about avoiding it while hosing the boat down, but still
found an inch or so of water in the cabin afterword. Does anyone have
any good methods of sealing the gap, even temporarily, to keep out rain,
etc?

Thanks,

Kellan Hatch
P-19 #1059 "Moondance"
Murray, Utah