List Your Boat — Free
Home/ Boats/ Hms Marine (Usa)/ West Wight Potter 15/ Known Issues
Known Issues & Common Problems

West Wight Potter 15 Known Issues

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a West Wight Potter 15.

+ Add to Compare

These are the most commonly reported problems on the West Wight Potter 15, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

7
Known Issues
2 High 4 Medium 1 Low
Accommodations
Low
The small cuddy cabin has a known issue with the forward hatch sealing poorly, allowing water ingress into the sleeping area during rain or spray. Hatch gaskets and seating surfaces should be inspected carefully.
Hull/Deck
Medium
The deck-to-hull joint on earlier Potter 15s uses a bolted and bedded external flange that is prone to leaking, particularly at the bow and stern corners where sealant deteriorates. This allows water into the hull foam flotation.
pre-1990 models
Medium
The built-in foam flotation in the hull can absorb water over time if the outer fiberglass skin is compromised, significantly increasing displacement and degrading performance. Suspect saturated foam if the boat feels unusually heavy.
Medium
The rudder gudgeon and pintle hardware on the transom is mounted through relatively thin fiberglass, and the backing plates on earlier boats were undersized, leading to fastener pull-through over time.
pre-1995 models
Keel
High
The centerboard/lifting keel pivot pin is prone to corrosion and wear, causing slop in the board and eventual failure to hold the board in position. The pivot area should be inspected and the pin measured for wear before purchase.
High
The centerboard trunk is known to develop cracks at the base where it meets the hull, particularly from grounding impacts. Water intrusion into the trunk-to-hull joint can lead to delamination in this high-stress area.
Rigging
Medium
The tabernacle-mounted mast system, while designed for trailering convenience, is subject to wear at the pivot bolt and base plate. Slop in the tabernacle can lead to mast instability; inspect the pivot hardware for elongated holes and corrosion.
Know of an issue we're missing?
Help fellow sailors — share survey findings, recurring problems, or things you wish you'd known before buying.
✉️ Submit an Issue