How fast is it???

[Toller]

I used to have a West Wight Potter 15 that was depressing to sail; it required a pretty stiff wind to move much.

The CP16 has somewhat larger sails, but is much heavier.  However it is longer and not much broader.  Is it even slower than the P15?

Actually I just checked the specs here and it says 115sf of sail.  Saildata.com (http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=24) says 95sf.  That is a 20% difference.  Which is right?

And...  I find the CP16 has a Portsmouth rating of 109 and the P15 is 138.  Does that mean the CP16 is faster?

[mattman]

I have a 16 friend a p15, we have not sailed side by side. From what I have seen of the 15 she points reasonably well, weighs less than half as much, and will plane. The C16 on the other hand points poorly, though you can point to 50ish degrees vmg will only be 60 degrees and that is with a lot of work. You have to sail her on her feet and be sensitive to hull trim. If I were to choose one for around the bouys I would pick the potter with decent sails and controls.   (btw we will be getting the two boats side by side this summer-I will let you know what we find!) Here is  a link discussing this topic.

http://smallcraftadvisor.com/our-blog/?p=1125

[Toller]

I thought it must point horribly, but an older thread has everyone saying it points well.  Maybe they meant considering the keel.

[Craig]

While not a speed demon,having had one, the WW Potter is not a slug either. Sail condition and tuning can make a big difference. They do point reasonably well. Never having sailed a C-16 I can't speak from experience but as to pointing from what folks here have said the C-16's pointing ability is mediocre. That being said, the C-16 is with its keel and ballast is more stable than the WW Potter which is essentially a grown up dinghy.

[JBC]

I have owned and sailed both the Potter 15 and the CP 16 (several models of the latter). My experience is that the Potter points better upwind and is faster close to the wind, a lively ride in the right conditions.

The CP 16 comes into its own on a beam reach and further off the wind, and can leave the Potter behind easily downwind, especially, as mentioned by others here, when sailing on her feet.  Neither, however, is much of a speed demon...

Jett

[jb]

also have had both boats and agree with JBC's comments.

j

[ChuckO]

AHoy !

I've owned and sailed the Potter 19, Potter 15 and now own a Com-Pac 16/2.  Speed has never been a problem.  I have always been able to match or exceed "hull Speed".  All three are great boats and they each have their positive and negative points.  I have never had any serious mishaps, upset or turtled any of the three.

The P-19 points better than the others ... IF it is properly tuned, balanced AND equipped with a Back Stay. It is, however harder to rig than the others - especially solo due to the 22' mast.

The P-15 points well and is quick and easy to rig...... has much less stability, is a bit tender and at 475#  is actually a dingy and can be easier to swamp than the others.

The CP-16/1 and 16/2 do NOT point as well, but are extremely stable and overall performance is very good especially with something other than the "Barn Door" Rudder.  Although I've never sailed one ... I believe the 16/3 (having the aid of the standard Swing Keel) would most likely point as well as the others.

"To each his own ... said the old lady as she kissed the cow"

ChuckO'
P-16/2 Carpe Diem
Charleston, SC

[Pacman]

And...  I find the CP16 has a Portsmouth rating of 109 and the P15 is 138.  Does that mean the CP16 is faster?

That is correct.