Should I install an autobailer?

Do you use/recommend an autobailer?


  • Total voters
    30

Halfjack

Dad & Lad
Kind of a survey question here. The autobailer on my old Laser was removed and I'm just using a plug. Is there any significant benefit to using one?

If I can figure out how, maybe I'll make this one a poll...;)
 
i would say yes, put in an auto bailer.
this will make your voyages much less wet for your feet, and it is pretty easy to install.
 
I took the plunge this season and installed one. When I got my current hull it didn't have one so I sailed it for a year like that. I'm not convinced that it really makes any significant difference. in the light, it didn't bail, but then the plug didnt leak either! So it didnt need to bail! In a breeze it left a bigger hole, so drained faster than the bailer does. the only reason I went for a bailer in the end was because I ..... Actually, I dont know why! :p
 
My three year old laser came with a 'non-working' auto bailer - it wasn't actually broken but of the two 'O rings' which act as springs, one was missing and the other was in position but broken. I installed a set of the Stainless Steel bailer springs (there's a nice explanation on Youtube at: [ame="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nyLJHl6APAc&feature=related"]YouTube - Laser bailer - springs, not rings![/ame] ). They seem to give the bailer a nice crisp and positive on/off action and I would certainly recomend fitting a set whilst the area is accesable. I think that this is class legal (it's hardly a performance modification, it just restores the original function) but I'm sure somebody will tell me if I'm wrong about that

Nigel
 
I'v never used one so can't say one way or the other. It would be nice to not have to remember to put the plug in and out (and finding a free hand to do it), but I have heard so many horror stories about them not working that I'm hesiatant to take the plunge.
 
Probably depends on where you sail. We get waves and a good breeze a lot of the time. The bailer seems to work in winds as light as 3-4 if reaching. In winds up to 8 kts, I usually leave the plug on the wire and open the bailer only if I take a wave and take water in the cockpit.

In higher winds, I pull the plug off the wire and just leave the bailer open all the time. Removing the plug makes it unlikely that you will kick the bailer part way closed. It doesn't work unless its all the way open.
 

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