Review of Potter 19, continued.
The Interior
The Potter 19 makes good use of its interior space. Although cruising on any small sailboat tends more toward camping than the luxury of walk-around space as on a larger cruising boat, the Potter 19 is more comfortable than others its size. Its four berths are all almost 6 and half feet long, and there is good storage underneath. Still, it would be a rare foursome that would cruise more than a night or so. But there is plenty of room for two to sleep and use the other berths for gear duffels and provisions.
The single-burner butane stove works well for one-pot meals, and the sink is handy for limited use. (There is not a through-hull drain, however: you carry off or dump your "gray water" from its reservoir bag.) Many owners have been quite creative in arranging storage bins and otherwise making use of the available space. A cooler can be slid under and behind the companionway steps, for example, if your boat lacks the built-in cooler.
Bottom Line
Of the wide variety of small trailerable sailboats on the market, the Potter 19 better meets the needs of owners who want to do some cruising than almost others, which at this length are typically designed more for daysailing than overnighting.
Because Potters have been around so long, it is not difficult to find one used in many areas. But because they are also very popular within their niche, they also sell at somewhat higher prices than other trailerables even up to 22 feet or more. At present, within 100 miles of my own location, there are four P-19s for sale, two 2000 models in the range of $7,000 to $8,000, two 1995 models between $5000 and $7000. If you can afford it, it's worthwhile to stretch for Potter if you like its looks and want its space - you won't be disappointed.
If you’re thinking about a trailerable sailboat like the Potter 19, remember that one of the great advantages is the ability to take it easily to other sailing destinations, such as heading to the Florida Keys in the winter.
Reviews of other popular sailboats:
Mariner 19
MacGregor 26
Hunter 140
Sunfish
How to buy a sailboat
For more information:
- The manufacturer's site
- Potter Yachters owners association
- Another Potter owners association
- Judy B's West Wight Potter Pages (best advice and modifications from a long-time owner)
Both photos © Judy Blumhorst, used with permission.
Here’s an inexpensive, effective way to control your tiller if you have to let go for a moment while sailing.
Need a new outboard motor for your small sailboat? Check out the great new propane-powered outboards from Lehr.
If you own a trailer for your boat, be sure you maintain it adequately both to keep it working into the future but to stay safe when using it.
