a. "Remember always that the Potter is a 14 ft, center-board dinghy, with
a cabin." The Potter 14's best performance and peak of stability is achieved
at about 10 degrees heel. After Knock down, given additional adverse factors
(most notably, an unsecured centerboard and an open hatch), the Potter 15 may
continue its roll until it reaches the inverted position (usually referred to
as "turning turtle").
b. Close and latch all the hatches when it gets rough. Plug your vents.
c. Harness in so you are not swept away from the boat.
d. Have de-watering equipment (bucket) at hand to quickly bail the
cockpit. Empty several bottles of good wine in the days leading up to the
voyage as the corks fit the cockpit drain. Have the corks readily available
for emergency use.
e. Turn into wind to stabilize boat as you get things back to normal.
f. Consider sailing boat directly on to a sand beach but ensure the keel
IS NOT tied down if you pursue this option.
g. Consider lifting the keel part way to allow the boat to slide with
wind and wave force rather then heel.
2. Specific Questions:
a. The West Wright Potter sale brochures show the boat riding high with a
hole through the hull. Is the cockpit open to water (drain open) or is it
providing part of this amazing flotation?
b. Will the boat self-right and be sailable after knock down with a
cockpit full (but slowly emptying)?
c. Will the boat self-right and be sailable after knock down with a cabin
and cockpit full of water?.
d. If the cabin floods (with keel full down) can the skipper self rescue
by bailing or will the boat have a tendency to turtle or continue to take on
water through the keel truck or cockpit?
Michael D. Campbell
P-15 #1683 "CAMPBELL's SLOOP"
Elmhurst, IL
Lake Michigan