All I know about Sparrows and some photos can be found on the Potter
Yachters web site at <http://songbird.com/py/story/sparrow.html>. As you
will see, there was a 12 ft centerboard Sparrow designed and built by HMS
Marine, which built the U.S. type West Wight Potter. But the boat you have
is apparently a Sparrow 16, which has a shoal keel and was built by
Northshore Marine in Bothell, Washington. It may actually be a 15-footer,
just as the Potter 15 was formally sold as a 14-footer, and the HMS-18 was
magically transformed into the Potter 19.
Is "Sputnick" a Potter 14?
Harry Gordon
P14 #234, Manatee
Mountain View, CA
> Hello: I am hoping someone can help me identify a small boat that
>I have been given. It says "Sparrow" on the transom and has a small
>arrow insignia. The sails (though they are fairly new and made by a
>local shop) say "S - 16" It appears to be about 16 feet long and has a
>fixed keel. It is much heavier than my Potter 14. It sleeps 4 (kinda)
>and has a sink. The paperwork says that it was manufactured by
>"Northshr" in 1982. However, it also says it is 15 feet and some other
>things that don't seem quite right. I have looked all over the net and
>can't find didally. You are the most knowledgable boat people I know, so
>hoped someone might have some ideas or information. Thank you Doug
>"Sputnik" 14 #588