West Wight Potter 15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The West Wight Potter 15’s lineage traces back to Stanley T. Smith's original plywood West Wight Potter 14, conceived in the UK in 1960. The transition to fiberglass construction, a pivotal move for the brand's enduring success, was spearheaded by Herb Stewart through his company, HMS Marine, after acquiring the U.S. rights from Smith. The Potter 15, first introduced in 1979, was a direct evolution of the 14-foot model, with the hull undergoing slight modifications by 1980. International Marine, the builder, has a long-standing commitment to creating safe, stable, and highly capable trailerable sailboats, a philosophy deeply embedded in the Potter 15's design.

This design emphasizes simplicity and robustness, key characteristics for a boat intended for easy trailering and launching. There was a significant variation known as the Mark II variant of the West Wight Potter 15, built in 1982, which featured a transom-mounted rudder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the West Wight Potter 15 is widely regarded as a very capable and surprisingly seaworthy boat. Its design prioritizes stability, a crucial attribute for a small centerboard boat that may encounter varied conditions. Owners often praise its forgiving nature and ability to handle a range of conditions, often exceeding expectations for a boat of its size. While not designed for competitive racing, its fractional sloop rig and lightweight displacement of 475 pounds contribute to its easy handling and responsiveness. The boat is designed for ease of use, appealing to both seasoned sailors looking for a manageable craft and newcomers. It is particularly well-suited for single-handed sailing, though it can accommodate two people for day sails, albeit with limited space. Its lifting keel mechanism allows for access to shallow waters and makes beaching and trailering straightforward, contributing to its versatility.

Accommodations and Layout

With a maximum headroom of 3.75 feet, the cabin accommodations of the West Wight Potter 15 are understandably compact, geared more towards shelter and basic overnighting rather than extensive living. The interior typically features a V-berth forward, which serves as sleeping space, and some storage. The layout is designed to maximize the limited space, often allowing the mainsail to be left connected to the boom and stowed inside the cabin. Reviewers and owners frequently describe the interior as surprisingly spacious for its length, though it is best suited for "camping aboard" rather than true live-aboard comfort. Information suggests a simple, functional finish, primarily utilizing fiberglass, consistent with its design as a robust, no-frills cruiser. While specific details on ventilation or elaborate wood trim are less common, the focus is clearly on practicality and durability for its intended use as a small, versatile cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the West Wight Potter 15 consistently praise its solid construction and remarkable stability for its size, making it a favorite for those seeking a portable and easy-to-manage sailboat. Many appreciate its ability to be easily trailered and launched, which greatly expands the potential cruising grounds from lakes to coastal waters. The strong and active community of Potter enthusiasts is a significant draw, fostering camaraderie and providing a valuable resource for shared adventures, modifications, and expertise.

However, some owners have noted common issues or areas for attention. One recurring point mentioned is the potential for the gel coat material to be absent around the perimeter of the keel slot on the bottom of the boat, which may require attention. Additionally, while capable, some suggest it may not be ideal as a primary learning vessel due to its specific mission of maximizing cruising comfort in a small package, which can lead to a slightly different learning curve compared to more open-cockpit trainers. The open-top centerboard design can also admit water if the boat floods. Despite these minor points, the general consensus highlights the Potter 15 as a unique and enjoyable boat for its intended purpose.