Gravel-like material in autobailer hole?

Gator Bait

Florida Man
While replacing the auto-bailer on my sunfish, I found this gravel like material in between the cockpit and exterior, is this supposed to be there or did it work its way in somehow?
 

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I think the technical term is "grunge". These aluminum bailers oxidized a lot, especially in salt water and they are always grungy when removed. However, it is a good idea to clean the hole out and then seal the edges with thickened epoxy resin before you attach the new plastic bailer just make sure no water seeps into the interior of the hull.

I hope you were able to salvage the screw-in DePersia cap as they are rare and have sold for up to $50 on E-Bay and elsewhere.

Alan Glos
Cazenovia, NY
 
I should probably clarify, this is a 2005 Sunfish, the which is why I found it so weird that there was grunge inside of it.
 
Oh yes, it's supposed to be there, it is gronicle paste added by the factory to reduce strain on the flux capacitor. It's so simple, maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings nowadays. Now you prepare that bailer valve with some 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads, and 'bout ten quarts of anti-freeze, preferably Prestone. And bring me a shrubbery.

Orrrrrr, it is just mud that migrated under the bailer.
 

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