Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 11.8′, the West Wight Potter 15 tops out around 4.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √11.8′ LWL = 4.6 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
34.7%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
128
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
4.6kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
1lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the West Wight Potter 15.
| West Wight Potter 15 | Commodore 15 | Gloucester 15 | Montgomery 15 | Precision 15 K | West Wight Potter 15 Mk Ii | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| LWL | 11.8 | 14.4 | 14.1 | 13.0 | 13.8 | 12.0 |
| Beam | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 7.0 | 5.5 |
| Displacement | 475 | 270 | 600 | 475 | 600 | 475 |
| Ballast | 165 | — | — | 175 | 250 | 100 |
| Sail Area | — | 109 | 150 | 90 | — | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 42.1 | 33.8 | 23.6 | — | — |
| Bal/Disp | 34.7 | — | — | 36.8 | 41.7 | 21.1 |
| Comfort | — | 2.7 | 5.9 | 5.5 | — | — |
| Capsize | — | 3.60 | 2.85 | 2.82 | — | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.1 | 5.0 | 4.8 | — | — |