I often consider getting a P19, and your summary is compelling.
My P14, with its tilt-up trailer, is super easy to launch, and the
centerboard is less hassle when I run aground, and I don't presently have a
vehicle to pull a P19... but the P14 is small and uncomfortable, especially
for my wife, who doesn't share my minimalist tendencies. Although I have
never capsized my P14, I do have to worry about the possibility. I have not
heard of anyone capsizing a P19 when the daggerboard was down. I have an
oversize lab who represents too much uncontrolled ballast in the P14 but
could probably ride without much concern in a P19.
Not only dogs but additional people could be taken in a 19! What a concept!
Most of my P14 sailing is singlehanded, which I often find a little lonely
unless I'm sailing with other Potters. I do like my electric motor and my
lateen rig, but maybe on the P19 I could use two MinnKotas, four batteries,
and a BIG lateen sail, or I could convert the P19 to a gunter rig, thus
having a shorter mast to raise, no backstay, and no concern about sticking
sail slides.
One big deterrent for getting a P19 is that everything will cost more - the
boat itself, the tow vehicle, sail replacement, the outboard. Also the
standard trailers for the P19 seem to be marginal. The Baja trailer is
apparently stronger but is also heavier and wider, and either P19 trailer
requires submerging the trailer to launch.
And there is more boat to clean, polish, paint, repair, etc.
Jerry Barrilleaux doesn't have to agonize over these things. He has both
the little Potter and the big one (but I notice he only sails the big one
now).
Harry
P14 #234, Manatee
Mountain View, CA
>I have been hesitating to enter into this discussion as I think both the
>p15 and p19 are fine boats, each having its purpose and place. That said,
>the p15 has significant limitations when it comes to engaging family and
>friends in sailing. That is to say, it is a pairwise activity in a p15
>but can engage 4+ on a p19. From my perspective launching a p 19 is not
>significantly more difficult than a p15. It is definitely easier to put
>up a mast on a 15. P19 s are heavier to tow, but not a big deal if you
>have a decent car (which, you all know I lack). In short, if you can
>hack the mast raising routine and have a decent vehicle, you will (IMHO)
>get a lot more enjoyment out of the p19 (though you will struggle with
>water through the CB trunk) than you will out of a p15. You can have
>day-sails with a number of guests. You can comfortably do overnight trips
>with two or three people. You can sail in ridiculous winds and horible
>chop (see Log of the Riptide). The p19 also seems less likely to capsize
>and/or take on water if properly sailed.
>
>Note: I love p15s, I wish I had one and a lake to go with it. I think
>every p19 should require an escort of 2-3 p15s when entering or exiting a
>harbor.
>
>Eric Zilbert
>Davis "not by the sea" California
>P19 #621 "Riptide"