Re: Transition from HMS to IM?

Magico1@aol.com
Wed, 4 Nov 1998 22:15:52 EST


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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International Marine bought out H.M.S. around Aug 1992. My friend Maurice
bought the last Joe Edwards Potter # 725. This boat was built in a hurry and
had many problems. The new owners corrected the problems and now she is very
seaworthy. This is the boat we used to night sail on S.F. Bay in nasty
conditions. This boat is a legend at the Oakland Yacht Club.
When I.M. took over they wanted to build a better Potter, and keep the
price down. They started buying everything in bulk to get better prices. I am
still amazed at how low these boats are priced. International Marine is a very
small factory, as you drive by if you blink you'll miss it. There are only
about seven workers in the plant. When a customer places a order , his name is
on the boat all through production. Darrow Bishop was the manager for several
years, and he did wonders for the buisness. Now Scott Johnson is running the
show. Besides being a nice guy, he is a sailor. Scott lives aboard an old
Pearson. He even took a new P.19 to Baha for a week to check it out and see if
changes were in order.
A few of the changes that I.M. has made are.... Galvanized keels, Better
transom ladders,better mast step,stronger hulls,better trailers,better
interior,mast raising system,better woodwork,more options, and more!
I went down to the factory shortly after I.M.took over, I was thinking of
buying a new P.19. But then they couldn't build exactly what I wanted. So I
found a old H.M.S.18,needing work and built my Potter. However, now they can
build the boat I wanted back then. The factory is less than a mile from L.A. X
If you are ever in the area you will find them to be very friendly.
Jerry Barrilleaux