Bailer question

Neil of Lake Pocotopaug

Neil of Lake Pocotopaug

New Member
Hello,
I bought my Sunfish used back in August. The self-bailer looked corroded and didn't thread into the screws...the ball popped out, as well. I've read that the serial number on the back tells the date of manufacture and knowing that I would be able to determine whether I had a pre-71 or a later model Sunfish. I'm deployed right now and don't have access to the boat. My father, thanks for trying dad, couldn't find the serial numbers. The boat is an AMF manufactured in Waterbury, CT. Is there any way of telling what year and style of bailer I need by the place of manufacture? It also doesn't have a mainsheet block on the deck. Does that say anything? Thanks in advance. I'm hoping to have everything I need when I get home so there's no delay in getting back out on the lake. Cheers!
 
Early boats did not have serial numbers on the transom but on a plate behind the splash guard. The plate may have come off.
Current plastic bailers will fit on those boats.
 
Further, the only type of bailer you can buy as a replacement is the plastic one. The bronze ones have not been made since the 70s.

Also, a deck block is an owner-installed upgrade on all but the newest of fish - the manufacturer made them standard a few years ago. BB
 
Thanks, guys. I've seen the plastic bailers for sale but I need to specify if the hull is pre-/post- 1971. That's what I'm trying to determine. Now that I remember, the metal plate is still fastened to the deck. I'll look there. It never occurred to me to look for the sn there.
 
I am pretty sure that the last year for the serial number plate (or in later years a sticker) was 1971, so if your boat does not have the number on the transom, it is a 1971 or earlier.

That said, I have no idea why you would need a different replacement bailer based on the year of construction. BB
 
Thanks, Beldar. I gave you some misinformation as to the date...the pivotal date being '73. Here's what I saw in Sunfish Direct and another website:

Special Note: During the production of the Sunfish there has been two styles of bailers. Boats manufactured before 1973 included the "old style" bailer. Boats manufactured from 1973 to present included the "new style" bailer.


 
What beldar is trying to convey is that the plastic bailer will fit just fine on any Sunfish.
 
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