I'm restoring a 77 fish and am wondering about the need for the self bailer. Of course, it is broken and will cost $42.00 to replace. I have only been sailing a couple years, but it seems like it is more trouble than (and cost) than it's worth. I carry a cutoff milk jug and a sponge which seem to handle most watery situations. The bailer seems to be a real weak spot, especially if the bottom is going to come into contact with a wooden platform before and after every sail. (This is a rack boat.) It is tempting to just fill in the hole and not worry about it. Opinions?