-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Goller <gollrt@home.com>
To: wwpotter@tscnet.com <wwpotter@tscnet.com>
Date: Tuesday, June 08, 1999 11:03 AM
Subject: Disappointed new Potter 15 owner needs advice from other Potter
owners
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> West Wight Potter Website at URL
> http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>Is there anyone out there who can give advice to the newest
>owner of a Potter 15?
>
>Here is my tale:
>
>Four years ago when I first became interested in sailing, I looked at a
>number of small sailboats that I thought would meet my needs. It was
>clear for the beginning, that the Potter 15 was the best boat for me.
>I read every bit of literature I could find from International Marine
>and all the sailing magazines. The more I read, the more convinced I
>became. Finally, when International Marine sent me the videotape, that
>sealed it for me - I had to have a Potter 15 !
>
> Unfortunately, when I went to look for a used Potter, I could not
>find ANY close to my local region (Northern Ohio on Lake Erie) I was
>willing to drive to another state, and kept checking the Internet and
>out of state newspapers, but none were to be found. The new Potters
>from the factory were just out of my financial range at the time, and
>were not an option.
>
> After waiting almost 2/3 of the sailing season with no luck
>locating a Potter, I finally gave in and bought a Com-Pac 16 that
>became available, but knew that someday I would be a Potter owner.
>
> After four years of sailing the Com-Pac, I had all but
>given up on sailing. The Com-Pac was slow, sluggish and had a
>terrible side slip problem (even the manufacturer realized this and
>added a centerboard to the newer models). The boat was well built and
>heavy (felt VERY stable), but it would not point well, and never
>seemed to go the direction I intended. The side slippage problem made
>for really unenjoyable sailing. In addition, the shoal draft keel at
>18" kept getting stuck when I would try to explore interesting little
>coves or beach the craft. I was ready to quit sailing and bought a
>powerboat.
>
> Two years ago we moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Water
>everywhere! Between the Harbor, the rivers, the ocean, the lakes, and
>the Inter coastal Waterway, my interest in sailing reawakened, but the
>Com-Pac was still a poor performer even here.
>
> Not long ago, I learned quite by accident that a fellow worker
>had a Potter 15 for sale at a great price. 1994 model year, well cared
>for, loaded with options. I discussed it with my wife, and even
>though finances are tight now, she lovingly agreed to let me buy it and
>fulfill a longtime dream of being a Potter owner. We decided to
>take a chance and buy the Potter first, with the hope of selling the
>Com-Pac later.
>
> Last Friday I picked up my beautiful "new" Potter 15.
>She was so well cared for that she looked like she rolled right off
>the showroom floor! I took her home, read the owner's manual cover to
>cover, and all related literature that came with the boat. Put her in
>my driveway, put the sails up and familiarized myself with the
>operation of all parts. I christened her "AT LONG LAST".
>
> The next day I took her to my favorite marina here, a public
>saltwater dock on the Charleston Harbor. Launching the boat was easy.
>I parked the car and walked back to the dock. Untied my bow line
>and stepped aboard the boat on the bow. Immediately, something
>did not feel right, I had my weight on the port side over the cabin at
>the toe rail, balancing on the mast, when suddenly the boat rolled
>over and capsized, and went turtle. The tide was swift , the wind
>was strong, and it kept driving the boat into the dock, banging with
>a sickening thud each time. The sails, stays, sheets all were
>tangled and caught every which way on the dock, pilings, dock cleats and
>everything else they could come in contact with. With help, I finally
>righted her and got her aboard the trailer (not an easy task).
>
> Wet and shaken, I tallied my losses: Pocket Electronic
>Organizer $250, Cell Phone($ ??), Electric Garage door opener on my key
>ring $35, CD Player/Boom Box $200, Wallet and all contents (cards
>and pictures) soaked with saltwater, Outboard motor totally saltwater
>immersed $500. All gear and personal possession were soaked
>with saltwater.
>
> When I got the Potter out I inspected it. Remarkably, the
>Mast, sails and stays all seemed OK, other than a lot of Bottom muck
>that they raked up. Then I got to the hull and my heart sank.
>Along the starboard bow low in the waterline was a new, big
>crack in the hull. Other places showed major chips in the
>Gel-coat. I never even got to sail her!
>
> I talked to a Marine hull fiberglass expert who says he can repair
>her hull for about $500. Unfortunately the damage my heart and soul
>took was much greater. At that moment I lost confidence in the
>stability of the boat.
>
> I reconstructed the events which led up to the capsize and realized
>that I had not yet put down the keel. I realize that probably made a
>difference in the stability (i.e. higher center of gravity).
>
> Here is where I would like to get some advice/help from you all:
>What is the truth about the Potter? Is it really as stable as
>advertised? Can anyone please answer the following questions:
>
>1) Have you ever capsized your Potter (or come close), and what were the
>circumstances that led up to it?
>
>2) Once the keel is down, will I be able to walk forward to tend to the
>jib etc. or is this a bad idea? (I weigh about 250 lb.). If you
>can't walk forward, how do you tend to anchor, jib etc.?
>
>3) If you can walk forward, is there a special way to place
>feet and weight to prevent capsize?
>
>4) What parts of the cabin are strong enough to bear the
>weight of standing on them? (Cabin rook, sliding cover to
>cabin opening?)
>
>Any experiences you could share with me would be helpful. I still
>want to believe in the Potter, but my confidence is shaken.
>
>Thanks
>
>
>Jeff Goller
>
>gollerj@home.com
>