West Wight Potter 15 Blue Water Layup

[Sfkjeld]

Can anyone speak to the value of this option? Sailing? Weight? I do not intend to take this boat out into anything remotely rough. Is there a downside to this if only lake sailing?

[rhr1956]

From the WWP website..."The premium lay-up option (first introduced in 2003) includes two extra layers of fiberglass on the bottom of the hull and balsa coring on the companionway bulkhead. The premium lay-up adds extra weight in the bottom of the hull and stiffness to the overall boat. It is not a necessity, but a “premium” feature, for the owner who may want heavier construction and feeling of strength and solidity in choppy conditions or a seaway."

Unless you expect to be bouncing off rocks I wouldn't think it necessary. I had a 1992 P19 (got it new) and it was plenty stiff. Potters are surprisingly quick when trimmed properly and not over-loaded. The 15 however is mighty tiny. I couldn't do a 15...just too small.

[s/v Beth]

What are you saying? What is a blue water layup? WWP15, although spunky little boats, are not really cruisers. What do you want to do with it?

[Travelnik]

West Wight 15 from Mexico to Hawaii:

Mexico to Hawaii

Not what they were meant for, but it has been done.

Good boats.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Travelnik

West Wight 15 from Mexico to Hawaii:

Mexico to Hawaii

Not what they were meant for, but it has been done.

Good boats.

+A1.... can't beat Brit designed boats....

[Efraim]

Originally Posted by Travelnik

West Wight 15 from Mexico to Hawaii:

Mexico to Hawaii

Not what they were meant for, but it has been done.

Good boats.

Next time there's a "blue water" boat thread - any second now, I'll be nominating the WWP15.

[SkiprJohn]

I wouldn't bother with the extra layers of glass for lake or river sailing. The 15 is very stout for her size. My friend had a 15. Our club has a 19 that is just a super little boat but a bit uncomfortable for me at 6' and nearly 70 in age to camp in. Just not enough room. The 15 is a good little day sailer and has a nice little cabin to duck out of the weather.

[Sfkjeld]

Sorry, I only meant for lake sailing

1. Does this package offer any value?
2. Does it cause a problem? Ie. extra weight. How much extra weight?

[SkiprJohn]

West Wight Potter :: Home can tell you how much extra weight. I wouldn't think there would be extra value if you are doing lake sailing. What kind of problems would there be except for the extra weight while towing?

Looking at the package deal for the 15 it appears that the Blue Water lay up it is standard for the new boats.

[Sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

West Wight Potter :: Home can tell you how much extra weight. I wouldn't think there would be extra value if you are doing lake sailing. What kind of problems would there be except for the extra weight while towing?

Looking at the package deal for the 15 it appears that the Blue Water lay up it is standard for the new boats.

I can only see a weight of 475lbs for the 15 on the Potter site. And I don't know what diff the weight would make while sailing. That is why I asked.

[rhr1956]

Two layers of glass and resin plus some marine plywood glassed into the companionway bulkhead...maybe 50lbs? That's pretty expensive upgrade and like I said earlier...unless you plan on bouncing over rocks, it's overkill.

[Sfkjeld]

Thanks rh. This is exactly what I was asking about.

[SkiprJohn]

Sfkjeld,

Have you contacted the company to ask if you can get one without the Bluewater layup? My impression was that if you ordered new then that's the only option.

It'd be good to ask a company rep all the questions you are asking here. They are friendly and are at all the major boat shows.

kind regards,

[Sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Sfkjeld,

Have you contacted the company to ask if you can get one without the Bluewater layup? My impression was that if you ordered new then that's the only option.

No, sorry. I am looking a used one. I just don't know whether to value the blue water option, or maybe avoid it.

Thanks tho!

[SkiprJohn]

The difference in weight would be very little. There would be extra strength. However, if someone was going to ask more for their boat because it had the Blue Water layup I would not pay more for it since you will not be bay or ocean sailing.

Just my opinion.

They are great little boats. Good luck.

kind regards,