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The West Wight Potter — History, Design, and What Makes It Work (with Larry Rumbol)



The West Wight Potter 15 has earned a reputation as one of the most capable small cruising boats out there. Simple, tough, and surprisingly seaworthy for its size—it’s built a loyal following over the years.

In this episode of the NanoCruising podcast, I sat down with Larry Rumbol, the UK builder of the Potter 15, to dig into the story behind the boat—and what makes it work so well.

The Story Behind the West Wight Potter 15

We start with the origins of the design and its creator, Stanley Smith.

Larry shares some great historical context around how the boat came to be, and the thinking behind its design. It wasn’t about speed or flash—it was about creating a small boat that could handle real conditions and still be accessible.

That philosophy still defines the Potter today.

What Makes the Potter 15 So Capable?

One of the big themes in the conversation is how well the boat punches above its weight.

We talk about:

  • Stability and seaworthiness
  • Simplicity in design
  • Why it works so well for small boat cruising

It’s not perfect—but it was never meant to be. It’s a boat that rewards understanding and experience.

Real-World Lessons from Building and Sailing

Larry brings a perspective that’s hard to find—someone who didn’t just sail the boat, but built them.

That comes through in the details.

We get into the small things that matter. The quirks. The decisions that shaped the boat over time. And the kind of knowledge you only pick up after years around the design.

What Should You Improve on a Potter 15?

For anyone who owns—or is thinking about owning—a Potter, this part of the conversation is especially useful.

Larry shares practical advice on:

  • What’s worth upgrading
  • What you can leave alone
  • How to make the boat more comfortable for cruising

It’s not about overbuilding—it’s about making smart, simple improvements.

A Boat That Still Holds Up

The West Wight Potter 15 isn’t trying to be modern or flashy.

And that’s exactly why it still works.

This episode is part history, part practical guide, and part appreciation for a small boat that continues to punch above its weight.

If you’re interested in small cruising boats—or just enjoy hearing the stories behind them—this one is worth a listen.

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www.nanocruising.com
Seas Your Own Adventure ⛵

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