West Wight Potter 15 in Ireland

[Lulusailsagain]

Hi there!

I'm collecting a Potter 15 on Thursday! It's been in a Polytunnel and unused for a few years, it will need a refurb! I've never taken on a boat refurb, am failry good at DIY, so I'm not daunted...yet!! Would love to hear any tips and suggestions!! My first job will be giving it a darn nice wash!!

Mise le meas, Lorraine!

 

[Refueler]

Good luck ... welcome to 'addiction' !!

 

[neil_s]

You'll have a lot of fun with that boat!

 

[Dino]

Best of luck with it. If the Perspex windows are not cracked, you should be able to bring them back by giving them a rub with T Cut

 

[DownWest]

Trailer looks a bit knackered?
Does it come with the rig and sails?
They have a good rep, if slightly quirky looks.
Have fun!

 

[Lulusailsagain]

Trailer looks a bit knackered?
Does it come with the rig and sails?
They have a good rep, if slightly quirky looks.
Have fun!

Yes riband sails, though I haven't seen the mast condition!

 

[Mark-1]

West Wight Potters are awesome. I see one in my future.

Good luck!

 

[Lulusailsagain]

Best of luck with it. If the Perspex windows are not cracked, you should be able to bring them back by giving them a rub with T Cut

They are intact and I will try the TP10!

 

[Lulusailsagain]

collected today! Cut away it's encircling brambles and then we towed it out backwards woth a few joined ropes through a very long polytunnel, got the trailer tyres inflated, spun it around and huge delight when it was hitched on!!! Bit of heat in one tyre that I'm putting down to under-inflation but will test tomorrow and see if it's that or bearings! Trailer light board bought and a few bits and the money for old boat is certainly flowing!! Fun though!

 

[neil_s]

I think your plan of a good clean-up is the best - it will look so much better - you might even go for a sail!

 

[DownWest]

Yes riband sails, though I haven't seen the mast condition!

On the assumption the mast is ally, it should be fine. Maybe check the halyard sheaves run well and the shrouds are not kinked near the ends.

 

[nevis768]

For the cost of new bearings I would change them, and the tyres if it has sat there any length of time.

 

[Mark-1]

I think your plan of a good clean-up is the best - it will look so much better - you might even go for a sail!

Agree. No better way to establish what really needs doing that taking it out and a useful statement of intent to prevent it becoming a permanent restoration that never touches water.

For the cost of new bearings I would change them, and the tyres if it has sat there any length of time.

Sound advice. Especially the bearings. By the time old clothes have been donned it's probably as quick to change them as to check them. I sense that brakes and bearings on regularly submerged trailers require such frequent replacement you might as well get adept on day one.

 

[fisherman]

Try not to use abrasive or corrosive cleaners, which can affect the gel coat.
I would say you will be able to hear and feel if a bearing is done for: smooth running, no noises, grease up and go. However, the tyres, left for a few years as you say, will give up. Usually when you've got about 30-40 miles, in an awkward spot where you have to wear your dayglo lifejacket to save you from passing cars. Ask me how I know.
In any case. my engineer friend never goes out with a trailer without having spare bearings and the kit to change them. Screwdriver for the cap. Pliers for the split pin. Big spanner for the nut. Take the hub off with wheel attached. The hub has a groove in the centre so a hammer and punch can knock out the outer races. Use the old race to knock in the new one, thick side against thin side, so you can get it back out. Grease.