West Wight Potter 15 Expedition Modifications
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2024
- Summary of various modifications that I made to my West Wight Potter 15', "Bandit", to make her "expedition capable". Together we completed two Florida 120's, two Outer Banks 130s, and twice entered the 300 mile Everglades Challenge. On our first attempt, we failed miserably but still sailed an amazing hundred+ miles around the Florida Bay. Then, ultimately, she became the first West Wight Potter 15' to complete the entire course. Fair winds!
Music: www.bensound.com
Thank you for great memories...
Enjoyed your explanations and descriptions of the changes/upgrades you made. A way to hold the tiller steady was something I have been looking for, the system you use gave me an idea. Thanks
Nice setup! Makes me want to take my Potter for a sail.
Thanks so much for this. Gives me lots to think about in refurbishing my P15. Going to have to bite the bullet for one of those nice new rudders.
Nice.. well presented.. keen to try the roller furling Genoa on mine..
Ahoy Lawless! I have a couple questions about Bandit. 1. How well does she row? What size oars? How much rowing have you done with her? Life is about to allow me to go sailing in local waters, overnights, maybe a day or two solo. I have decided the WWP15 is the boat best suited to all my requirements. I would really appreciate any info you can provide. I have enjoyed many of your videos.
Simple answer. A Potter does not row well. Oars work to get you in or out of a tight spot, marinas, bridges, etc. but a small outboard (Honda 2.3) works better. Admittedly, we rowed Bandit for several miles at a time during the Everglades Challenge, but that was because we had no other choice. I built my own 8’ oars because that was the longest that could be stored in the cabin. Fair winds!
@@spayment Thanks Shawn. I expected that answer. I will heed your advice. Sail safe!
I always mount my cowl vents that way. It sucks out the air and replacement air enters from the lee side without rain and unexpected wash. When at anchor prevailing wind and rain will not flow through and into the cabin.
What where the conditions that day if you remember? Your potter is cruising along nice and smooth. Nice work
It’s been a while, but from the set of the sails, I’d estimate 6-8 kts wind just aft of the starboard beam, flat seas
Nice Boat
Thanks for the video. What ladder did you go with?
It was the OEM stock ladder on the 1989 model. Flipped down, nothing special, but served it’s purpose.
How did you add reefing to the mainsail? My P-15 main has no reefing lines on it, and I'd like to be able to reduce sail. Thanks!
I tried several methods but ultimately ended up using a single line “jiffy reefing” system like this: www.sailboat-cruising.com/single-line-reefing.html
What happened to Bandit? This is the last video about it and it's over 2 years old. Looks like you are now sailing on Hobie TI's. Did you sell Bandit, or is just sitting in storage?
At 30 years of age, Bandit was beginning to show some issues which might render her unsound for “expedition level” sailing. I sold her to a nice fellow who planned to teach his kids sailing on calm waters. If WWP was still building hulls, I would most likely consider buying another!
What is a reasonable cruise speed on the outboard? My research tells me 3-6hp outboard are the most common for this boat. Do you know what the max is? What do you run? Cheers.
I had a Honda 2.5hp. I could easily manage 3 kts at about half throttle. I never tried to determine a “max”. Maybe 5 kts? But why? I’d rather sail.
How did you make your cockpit lockers
I bought hatch covers from Duckworks. Sawed openings in aft cockpit seats. I had to cut out about 4-5” of foam floatation to make space. Then I put a couple of Tupperware bins in the bottom to keep bits from going rogue. Not rocket science, but it worked.
SPOT should be attached to your body 100% of the time you’re sailing.
I disagree. I have a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in my PFD that I wear at all times. The SPOT stays attached to the boat with a clear view of the sky which is where it works best. If I were to become separated from my boat, both can be tracked. Two is one, one is none.
Where do you stash the portapotti?
I never carried one. I do carry a bucket and wag bags for "emergencies" but generally manage to find public facilities (or conveniently located beach bars) on a daily basis.