I am fairly new here and even newer at sailing. I recently purchased a 1972 fish that needs some attention.
After I flipped it over in the garage last week, I noticed that the clamshell for the cockpit bailer had the tip broken off and the ball is no longer there. I can fix the clamshell but I cannot find any information on the ball. Anyone know what size the ball is or where I can purchase just the ball? I'm keeping this low budget.
Thanks in advance,
Harold
I had a similar problem and decided to "dump" the bailer.
The ball (and everything else) is available as an inexpensive kit. I think I bought my last kit at APS. It worked as designed, but I'd later broken the "clamshell" by stepping into the cockpit on solid ground. (But it hadn't worked all that well, anyway).
I managed to capsize my Sunfish last summer, and climbing back in was fairly easy—bailing took only a minute.
What I'd done with the broken bailer was to replace it with a new plastic (repair kit) plug for a portable gasoline container. However, I managed to knock the plug out by pushing it out with my heel. Presently the bailer got replaced (and sealed) with two large stainless steel washers with seals on the (one) bolt.
If I had it to do again, I'd go to an auto parts store and find a rubber and steel "freeze plug" that fits the hole. The one bolt can be tightened for a secure seal and should be leak-free. They're "low budget" and shouldn't be very expensive—maybe $4 each.
Thanks L&VW. I'll take a look thru the APS website. I have read thru 50 pages here and although no mention of the bailer ball, I did learn a multitude of other useful information. I keep you posted on the repairs. Today I will start sanding the bottom in prep for a new (to me) product "System Three Quick Fair" .
Thanks
Harry