Re: P19 First Sail--CB securing

From: Curt Westlake (cwestlake@k-w-b.com)
Date: Thu Jan 06 2000 - 08:52:18 PST


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      West Wight Potter Website at URL
        http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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I had the same problem, but I found that if I cranked the winch handle
ever so slightly to to put a small amount of upward pressure on the
centerboard, it allowed me to get the fourth clamp latched. Try it. It
might work for you.

Also, I share your thoughts about this list, as they were my determining
factor in selecting a Potter last spring. Reading your story of your
first launch brought back memories.

Curt Westlake
WWP 19 #1096 "True Love"
Greenville, South Carolina

Trevor Smith wrote:

> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> West Wight Potter Website at URL
> http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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>
> I just wanted to thank everyone that has contributed
> to this list for the past six months or so; it was a
> significant factor in my decision to purchase a P19.
> As a solid internet citizen but a novice sailor, I
> think the helpfulness and knowledge evidenced here
> pushed me over the edge into potterdom. The caliber
> of the boat skippers can tell you things you'll never
> see on a spec sheet or in a brochure.
>
> Even though I took delivery in the beginning of
> December, I had to delay my first sail until
> yesterday for lack of an able-bodied crew (single-
> handing with my current level of skill would fall
> somewhere between "spitting into the wind" and
> "juggling chain saws" on the stupid scale). But
> I felt like the kid that kept being told that
> Christmas was postponed...again.
>
> I have to say that the wait was totally and completely
> worth it.
>
> My two brothers and I launched the "Dawg" from the
> beautiful 10-lane boat ramp at Lake Pleasant.
> Thank goodness that no one else was launching at the
> time, because it turns out this rusty captain had a
> bit of trouble steering (centerboard up, rudder not
> in place yet) with the outboard (Nissan 5hp not fixed
> down to prevent tilting, friction clamp too tight to
> allow proper turning, limited to half-throttle
> because of the break-in period). Once I was off the
> trailer I proceeded to do several unintentional wide
> loops in reverse using about nine of the ten vacant
> launching lanes. This broke the strict maritime
> discipline I had been enforcing...causing my crew to
> laugh uncontrollably--even to the point I believe is
> referred to as "busting a gut".
>
> Safely docked, we loaded up with Gatorade and Power
> Bars and prepared for the christening. I know
> that IM builds a solid boat, but whacking it with
> a Champaign bottle seems so wrong...brother number
> one had a great solution: pop the cork over the bow,
> spill some of the bubblie over the deck, and
> drink the rest. I have never taken a big swig of
> sparkling wine right out of the bottle before but
> it turns out that the CO2 bubbles expand to fill
> all the available space and then some. I know
> the sibling mutaineers got a big kick out of the
> human seltzer bottle spraying champaign out of
> nose and mouth. Because of all my coughing and
> choking, the courmartials were postponed until
> after the launch.
>
> Dock antics not withstanding, the day was boating
> ecstasy; 70 degrees, light wind, only two other
> boats on the lake. After a brief motor out of the
> protected cove, we hoisted the sails and had a
> grand time. She sails beautifully, and even
> seems to point well without the backstay (the
> one factory option I regret not ordering).
>
> I have a newbie question:
>
> My centerboard locks in the down postition with
> four screw-clips. They are mis-aligned just
> enough that it makes it difficult to clip all
> four at the same time. Should I be concerned if
> I only use three--or would it be even better to
> just fasten one or two to make it easier for the
> board to pop-up if I run aground?
>
> Thanks again to everyone.
>
> Lurking and learning...
>
> Trevor Smith
> P-19 #1157 "Reservoir Dawg"
> Peoria, AZ
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