Do bailer balls need rubber seals?

[cantgrowup]

I've taken a post-73 Sunfish "new-style" bailer apart and the nylon ball looks like it seats directly against the bottom of the cap without any rubber seat. However, the Sunfishdirect.com part number 91301 ball kit includes rubber seats for the ball to seal against. Does my bailer need these rubber seats? If so, I guess maybe the old rubber seat disintegrated while the hull was hanging in the rafters for the past 35 years.

 

[Webfoot1]

It's a rubber sleeve that keeps the ball in when the plug is removed. The ball is meant to float up and seal against the bottom of the sleeve. It's not really worth the effort to fix as the bailer is basically a trailer drain plug. NOS sleaves have shrunk over time and just flop around in the bailer. Better off just going sailing.

 

[signal charlie]

Does my bailer need these rubber seats?

Yes, if you plan to use it for its intended purpose.

And how about some pictures of your new ship, the new Forum platform makes it real easy to upload pics!

Cheers
Kent

 

[cantgrowup]

Thanks! I'll upload some pics after I get it in the water. New sail and parts are on their way now. I think it's a 1976 model according to the Chrysler Boat info plate on the trailer (assuming the trailer was bought new with the boat). The top of the hull has diagonal red/blue stripes in front of coaming and behind the cockpit.

 

[signal charlie]

There might be a Hull ID Number (HIN) on the upper right transom. If so the last 2 digits are year.

76 was a big RedWhite Blue year because of the Bicentennial.

 

[cantgrowup]

Ah! There is indeed an HIN molded into the transom and it is a 1976 hull. Thanks!