West Wight Potter 19 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The P-19’s performance is characterized by its light displacement (approximately 1,225 lbs) and a high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, which ensures responsiveness in light winds. However, its most distinctive handling trait comes from its hard-chined hull design. As noted in editorial evaluations by Sail Magazine, the boat may feel initially "tender" or tippy when a sailor first steps aboard or catches a gust, but it quickly "locks in" once it heels to the chine, providing a firm, stable platform.

The 300-pound swing keel is the heart of the boat’s versatility. Fully extended to 3'7", it provides significant leverage and tracking, allowing the boat to point reasonably well for a flat-bottomed cruiser. When retracted to a mere 6 inches, the Potter 19 can be beached or navigated through extremely shallow marshes. While it is not a racing boat and will not out-point a deep-keel performance sloop, it is renowned for its "sea-kindliness." Owners frequently report that the boat feels much larger than its 19 feet when facing a chop, thanks to its high freeboard and buoyant bow. The boat is typically rigged with a fractional sloop plan, often including a lapper or a small genoa to maximize power in light air.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 20 feet, the P-19 offers an uncommonly functional interior, achieved through its "bustle" hull shape and high coachroof. The layout typically features four berths—a V-berth forward and two long quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit seats. This configuration allows a small family or two couples to overnight, though it is most comfortable for a solo sailor or a couple.

International Marine offered the boat in several trim levels, most notably the "Premium" edition, which included features like a built-in sink, a dedicated space for a marine porta-potti with a privacy curtain, and a butane stove. The use of teak or mahogany accents in newer models helps mitigate the "all-fiberglass" feel common in small production boats. While the Potter 19 is the primary focus of this hull, its smaller sibling, the West Wight Potter 15, shares the same design DNA but lacks the P-19’s enclosed head area and four-berth capacity. There are no major hull variations (like a fixed-keel version) in the P-19 line, as the trailerability provided by the swing keel is central to its identity.

Popular Mentions & Media

The West Wight Potter 19 has earned a cult-like following due to its association with ambitious small-boat voyages. The model’s reputation was bolstered by its long-standing presence as a prize on the television show "The Price is Right," which introduced the concept of trailer-sailing to a mainstream American audience. More importantly, the boat is a staple of the "Small Craft Advisor" community and has been documented in numerous "Baja Ha-Ha" adjacent micro-cruising expeditions. Its most famous advocates are the members of the West Wight Potter Owners Association (WWPOA), whose technical archives and accounts of crossing the Sea of Cortez have cemented the P-19’s status as a legitimate coastal voyager.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the mechanical and structural components unique to a swing-keel trailerable boat.

• Keel Winch and Cable: The 300-lb keel is raised via a manual winch. Inspect the galvanized cable for "meat hooks" (fraying) and the winch for corrosion. A failure here can result in the keel dropping violently, potentially damaging the trunk.
• Deck Core Near Mast Step: Like many production boats of its era, the P-19 uses a cored deck. Check for soft spots or compression around the mast step, which can occur if the rigging was over-tensioned or if water penetrated the mounting holes.
• Transom Stress: If the boat has been used with a heavy four-stroke outboard (especially 6hp or higher), inspect the transom for stress cracks around the motor bracket.
• Rudder Hardware: The kick-up rudder is a critical safety feature. Check the pintles and gudgeons for play, and ensure the rudder blade does not have excessive "slop" when locked in the down position.

Community & Resources

The P-19 is supported by one of the most active owner groups in the sailing world. The West Wight Potter Owners Association (WWPOA) serves as the primary technical clearinghouse, offering detailed "how-to" guides for everything from mast-raising systems to interior modifications. Additionally, the manufacturer, now operating as Potter Yachts, remains a source for OEM parts and new builds, a rarity for a design that is over 50 years old.

The Verdict

The West Wight Potter 19 is an ideal choice for sailors who prioritize accessibility, ease of storage, and the ability to explore diverse waterways without the expense of a permanent slip.

Pros:

• True Portability: Can be towed by a standard SUV or even some large sedans.
• Safety: Features closed-cell foam flotation, making it effectively unsinkable.
• Versatility: The 6-inch draft (keel up) allows for "gunkholing" in areas inaccessible to almost any other cruiser.
• Resale Value: Due to its cult status, P-19s tend to hold their value better than generic 19-foot sloops.

Cons:

• Initial Tenderness: The light weight and hard chine can make the boat feel "flighty" to those used to heavy-keel boats.
• Cramped Cockpit: While the cabin is large for its size, the cockpit can feel crowded with more than two adults during active sailing.
• Limited Headroom: While excellent for its class, tall sailors will still find themselves hunched when below deck.