West Wight Potter 19 Information, Review, Specs

The narrative of the West Wight Potter 19 begins in 1971, when it was first introduced as a design by Herb Stewart. This marked a significant expansion from the earlier, smaller West Wight Potter models, which were initially conceived by Stanley T. Smith in the UK and later brought to fiberglass production in the US by Herb Stewart's HMS Marine. International Marine, which has carried on this legacy, began building West Wight Potters in the early 1990s, enhancing their construction over time. The overarching design philosophy behind the Potter 19, consistent with International Marine's ethos, focuses on creating safe, stable, and highly capable pocket cruisers. This includes emphasizing exceptional stability for a centerboard boat and designing for practical, often deceptively spacious interiors. While the core design has remained consistent, production over more than 35 years has seen some evolution, with later boats incorporating upgrades and addressing common issues, such as reported slight structural problems with the centerboard trunk on some older, mid-1980s models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the West Wight Potter 19 is widely recognized for its impressive seaworthiness and ease of handling. It is often described as a "tough little boat that is easy to sail," making it an ideal choice for single-handed excursions due to well-placed controls like the jib sheets and centerboard winch. Owners frequently praise its exceptional stability for a small centerboard vessel, attributing this to its hard-chine hull. This design allows the Potter 19 to handle conditions that might challenge larger boats, often surprising its crew with its robust performance in various sea states. While some anecdotal reports suggest it may not be the fastest boat, its reliability and forgiving nature are consistently highlighted, providing a comfortable and secure experience for coastal cruising, lake sailing, and even more ambitious voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the West Wight Potter 19 is thoughtfully arranged to maximize space within its compact footprint, offering comfortable accommodations for short trips or weekend camping aboard. The cabin typically features a V-berth forward, which can serve as a sleeping area, and two settees or bunks along each side of the main salon. Despite its overall length, the boat boasts a respectable maximum headroom of 5.0 feet. The interior often showcases wooden flooring and white walls, contributing to a cozy and bright atmosphere, complete with windows for natural light. For added convenience, the design incorporates features such as a sink and, notably, an enclosed head, providing a level of privacy uncommon in boats of this size., 12] Storage solutions are integrated throughout the cabin to accommodate gear for short cruises.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the West Wight Potter 19 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, frequently commending their solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway. The boat's remarkable stability and ability to handle diverse conditions are consistently cited as major strengths, often exceeding expectations for a boat of its length. Its ease of trailering and launching is also a significant advantage, making it highly versatile for exploring various waterways. The Potter 19 is praised as a "lot of boat for its length," providing ample comfort and storage for extended excursions.

However, like any sailboat, the Potter 19 has some recurring points of discussion among owners. On older models, some have reported minor structural issues with the centerboard trunk, which may require attention. Additionally, while generally praised for its handling, some owners acknowledge that the boat is not particularly fast, prioritizing stability and comfort over outright speed. Despite these minor points, the strong and active community of Potter enthusiasts underscores a widespread appreciation for the West Wight Potter 19's unique blend of accessibility, seaworthiness, and cruising capability.