On the night of the fourth up here in Big Bear Lake, California my wife
and dog and I anchored awaited the fireworks display. While cooking lobster
tails and drinking chardoney in the cockpit (One burner camping stove with
bolt through bottom into oarlock to keep stove level) we got a call (on the
motorola pocket radio) from some friends in a powerboat wanting to raft up
with us. Well they ran out of fuel on the way over and we gave them a few
gallons to make it back to the marina after the display. My friend was
surprised that any sailboat had extra fuel aboard. (being the overtrained
sailors we are; we were carrying 5 gallons can of fuel for the weekend. (We
could probably make it to Seattle with our 3.3 outboard) His guests were
curious about the Potter and couldn't believe we were actually going to
sleep out in the lake that night on that 'teeny sailboat'. It was a grand
fireworks display and we waited for all to go home before picking up anchor
and heading back. The police boat stopped by to ask if we needed help
cause the wind had died. We told em no, our outboard worked fine and we
were just waiting for the lake to clear out. At around 11 pm we headed
back to anchor in Fawn Harbor and were the last boat on the lake. Night
running is wonderful when you know that theres no reefs or rocks to hit.
Engine dragging and prop too low in water: While sailing, our mercury 3.3
dragged the prop. Because of nonadjustable std bracket I added three inches
of marine plywood extension to motor mount. Engine now is higher, does not
drag and prop is at correct height to propel boat. And saving the cost and
installation of the adjustable bracket.
Night Lighting: Went to west marine and purchased port&starboard and Stern
lights. Stern light suctions on top of outboard. Bow light just behind bow
chocks. Cost about $45.00 no wiring or heavy batteries needed.
Water in bilge: Replaced self bailing cockpit drain and added bilge drain.
Both available at west marine. Over this past weekend only had little water
in keelson. Must be from the cb trunk. Although I'm guessing now that the
plastic rail aroung the deck needs recauking as well.
12 vt system: Bought 12 volt gel powerpack at Sportmans club for $25.00.
We use it to power coleman flourescent lantern, cell phone, gps.
Lightweight, safe and simple.
Rudder kickup: Added a line with brass eyes and a cleat to either lock
rudder up or down. Works great. Saw this idea on a Potter website.
Cockpit Table: The leg was missing for the table so I took a piece of
1x1, glued scrap carpet to top and bottom, screwed in bolt with thumbscrew
to attach through the hasp. Table sits level in cockpit.
And during the day of the fourth while enjoying a peaceful and quiet sail
out toward the Big Bear Dam, one of those lovely rental jetskiis with an
experienced yachtstourist piloting came within 10 FEET of our boat
splashing us with his wake soaking my cast (broke my ankle dirtbiking),
soaking my dog, and sending buckets of water into the cabin. I've heard
it's a new "sport" to come as close as you can to a sailboat and soakem.
While swearing at him to slow down, unbeknownst to me, my normally pacifist
wife took out the 12 guage flaregun and fired it at the jetskiyachtstourist
hitting the exhaust (she grew up in the south hunting squiirels and is a
crack shot) and blowing him up into the air. Overeaction? I don't think so.
Cheers errupted from a cabin deck onshore where the partiers' were also
yelling at the jetskiis to slow down and stay away from their dock. I guess
noone thinks too highly of them. (This is the same group of yoyos that
drives up to the mountains in winter stops in the middle of the road, puts
chains on the rear wheels of frontwheel drivers, and wonders why they've
ended up in a snowbank around the bend.)
One comment for those 'yachters' that make fun of potters. I grew up
sailing 110's and solings in New England. Graduated to Pearson Ensigns, C&C
30's, and Bermuda 40's. Moved to so calif and was amazed at how many big
boats in MDR NEVER GO OUT. Maybe because our sailing season back east only
lasted 5 months we went out often? Or could it be its too much hassle to go
on the big boat. Or it's chartered. Or whatever. Anyway, we hook up the
Potter to the 4x4, drive to the lake, set up the rigging, launch and away
we go! We love our Potter and look forward to sailing with Geoff etc in
Tahoe next month!
Let us know if interested in sailing Big Bear Lake.
Beth,Jeff,Remi
"Blue Bayou"
P15