autobailer leading edge not flush

hi there,
i realized that my autobailer leading edge is not flush with, or inset at all in the hull. it protrudes about 2mm... i assume this is a problem? drag? your thoughts on a fix? could i just sand the plastic down?

You're permitted to use tape, glue or filler to eliminate such a large gap, but you aren't permitted to hack into the bailer to make it flush. However, careful refitting of the bailer will usually elimate such gaps unless the bailer has become distorted from age. Such gaps are often the result of the screw being too tight.

As for the amount of drag, it will be so neglible to make no difference, particularly as it's in-line with the centreboard and the turbulance coming off it.

Most people I know use silicon, shapeing it so its smooth and follows the hull. Did mine 2 seasons ago and still ok.

AlanD said:

You're permitted to use tape, glue or filler to eliminate such a large gap, but you aren't permitted to hack into the bailer to make it flush. However, careful refitting of the bailer will usually elimate such gaps unless the bailer has become distorted from age. Such gaps are often the result of the screw being too tight.

As for the amount of drag, it will be so neglible to make no difference, particularly as it's in-line with the centreboard and the turbulance coming off it.

Click to expand...

i will try to loosen the screw a bit and see if that helps.

but as you say, that water is already disturbed due to the CB...

but in general, one is allowed to trim the bailer a little to make it fit better, no?

No you can't trim the autobailer, follow the instructions on this site if it will open for you, it doesn't seem to want to open for me anymore.

Its under "bailer install" on this site

http://jamesfreedman.org/index.php

If it won't work basically the idea is

- Remove bailer and clean off silicon, get the bailer really clean, give it a very light wet and dry sand to clean it off so it will stick, same with the hull.

- For the uninstall use lots of silicon all around the bailer edge, when it oozes out the edge wipe it off with a rag

- After its pressed on put a cloth or towel over it and then leave some weight ie phonebooks on it overnight.

- The next day it should be well stuck on, put the screw in and then put some silicon over the screw.