Re: Used Potter questions

DAVID_KAUTZ@HP-Sunnyvale-om5.om.hp.com
Tue, 16 Mar 1999 12:40:42 -0800


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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My boat (#1632) is a 1987 model I'm told, and it is exactly as you describe. The
rudder blade is a single piece of wood, I'm guessing that it's mahogany, but it
may be teak as you say.

The sealant used at the hull to deck joint is also visible from the interior of
the boat and, indeed, there are drips visible here and there. Not too
attractive, but I figure better too much sealant than not enough. The stuff I
see looks black and tar-like, not so much like spray-in foam, though.

A couple thinga you might check on a Potter of this vintage based on my
experience:

The plywood backing plates under the deck for the shrouds had rotted on mine -
the metal backing strap was "disappearing" into the softened wood. I think water
had leaked in from above and damaged the wood.

My boat had been used mostly in salt water and the centerboard (painted at that
vintage) had considerable rust on it. Most of the rust was at the leading edge,
so it is visible from beneath the boat when it's on the trailer.

Hope this helps,

Dave Kautz
P-15 #1632 Tilly Lucy
Palo Alto, CA

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Used Potter questions
Author: Non-HP-mekern (mekern@softcom.net) at hp-boise,mimegw7
Date: 3/15/99 8:18 PM

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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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I used to own a P15 back in the early 80s but had to sell. I've recently
started shopping around for a good used P15 or M15 and ran across a 1987
P15. My questions are these:

1. The tiller blade is made of light-weight teak???. My old P15 had a
laminated wood with fiberglass blade which had a much more solid feel. Was
teak used on the kick-up blade, or is this some sort of homemade fix?

2. I noticed inside the cabin along the seam where the hull joins the deck
is a very sloppy glue job that reminds me of the foam insulation in a can.
The other side is very clean and normal. Is this kind of workmanship common
on Potters of this vintage, or I wonder if this boat had some kind of
structural problems.

The price is right, so I can't complain, but thought I would ask if this is
anything to be worried about. Thanks for all your help. I recently joined
the mailing list. One thing I have noticed...does anyone from IM contribute
to the group? I also joined a mailing list for Montgomerys, and it is not
uncommon to see responses from Jerry Montgomery and Robert Eeg, the new
builder of Montgomerys on boaters questions, problems, etc. Just curious.
Thanks again.

Mike Ekern