The West Wight Potter 19 is a popular sailboat model that has been designed for a variety of purposes, including cruising, racing, and day sailing. It is a small but sturdy boat that is easy to handle and is ideal for both novice and experienced sailors. In this article, we will take a closer look at the West Wight Potter 19 and explore its key features, advantages, and potential drawbacks.
Design and Construction
The West Wight Potter 19 is a sailboat that can be easily transported from one location to another. It has a length overall of 19 feet, a beam of 7 feet, and a draft of 12 inches with the centerboard up and 4 feet with the centerboard down. The boat has a displacement of 1,500 pounds and a ballast of 400 pounds. It can accommodate up to 6 people and has a comfortable cabin that includes a V-berth, a sink, and a portable head. The cockpit is spacious and has a comfortable seating area with a tiller steering system.
The West Wight Potter 19 is constructed using fiberglass and is built to last. The hull is solid fiberglass with a balsa core deck, which makes it lightweight and easy to handle. The boat has a swing keel and a rudder that is made of marine-grade aluminum, which provides durability and strength. The rigging is made of stainless steel and the mast is made of anodized aluminum, which provides resistance to corrosion.
Sailing Performance
The West Wight Potter 19 is an excellent sailing boat that is easy to handle and is suitable for both novice and experienced sailors. The boat has a simple and straightforward rigging system that is easy to set up and adjust. It has a main sail and a jib, which provide good power and speed in a range of wind conditions. The boat is also equipped with a boom vang, which helps to control the tension on the mainsail and improve sailing performance.
The West Wight Potter 19 is a responsive boat that can sail close to the wind and has good maneuverability. The swing keel provides excellent stability and allows the boat to sail in shallow waters. The boat also has a good sail area-to-displacement ratio, which means that it has a good power-to-weight ratio and can achieve good speeds.
Advantages
One of the main advantages of the West Wight Potter 19 is its versatility. The boat is suitable for a variety of purposes, including cruising, racing, and day sailing. It is also easy to transport and can be towed by a standard vehicle. The boat is also affordable and can be purchased new or used at a reasonable price.
Another advantage of the West Wight Potter 19 is its durability. The boat is built to last and can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use. It is also easy to maintain and repair, which makes it a popular choice among boat owners.
Potential Drawbacks
One potential drawback of the West Wight Potter 19 is its size. While the boat can accommodate up to 6 people, it may be too small for some sailors who require more space and comfort. The boat also has limited storage space, which may be a concern for those who plan to go on longer trips.
Another potential drawback of the West Wight Potter 19 is its sailing performance in heavy weather conditions. While the boat is designed to be stable and easy to handle, it may struggle in high winds and rough seas. This may limit the boat’s use to calmer waters and more moderate wind conditions.
Conclusion
The West Wight Potter 19 is a versatile and durable sailboat that is suitable for a range of sailing purposes.
