Re: Out for the fourth

james nolan (nolan_laboratories@email.msn.com)
Wed, 7 Jul 1999 09:14:37 -0600


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Water and jet ski repellent:
I keep a casting rod handy, strung with at least 30 pound test. For a
lure I use a large surface popper with no less than 8 sets of large treble
hooks. When they come close, start casting. If you're lucky and manage to
hook one make sure to set the hook well and also to set the drag. Prepare
for a good fight as the line pays off the spool. If the spool begins to
heat, quench it with sea water. To land one use either a large gaff or just
lift them by the hair or ears into the boat. Getting bit is usually not a
problem. A net isnt usually large enough. If they are too large, just tow
them back to the dock. Make sure to get a nice picture at the dock of them
hanging upside down with the weight, length and girth proudly displayed on
the chalkboard. Also makes a wonderful mounted display in the den.
Jim Nolan
-----Original Message-----
From: JH <remthor@earthlink.net>
To: westwightpotter <wwpotter@tscnet.com>
Date: Tuesday, July 06, 1999 9:49 AM
Subject: Out for the fourth

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> West Wight Potter Website at URL
> http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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>Well after owning our lovely P15 (1980) since memorial day I have a few
>comments and suggestions and improvements.
>
> 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
>