I'm new to sailing and bought a 1972 Sunfish to learn on. I would appreciate advise on the plug at the bottom (its only a hole now) and recommended videos and resources of sailing, maintenance and repair. I'm looking forward to this new adventure.
From where I'm sitting, it looks like a good find.
If you're lucky, that "hole" measures 1¼" in circumference. (Which means you won't have to remove the old and degraded metal- or plastic- "bailer" parts).
If you want to go sailing tomorrow, go to NAPA, and buy a $4.50 expandable "freeze plug". Install with the big washer inside the cockpit. Picture: Look at this Bailer! Weird! | SailingForums.com
Given adequate time, there are two other choices:
1) Go to a forum online advertiser, and buy a replacement "plastic bailer". Starting with a fresh bailer, you'll need every piece (~$45), so I wouldn't try to economize with fewer/degraded parts.
I think the big rubber O-ring that the instructions tell you to install outside/underneath functions as a shock absorber, so keeping it installed reduces the chances of experiencing a bailer fracture and eventual disintegration
From where I'm sitting, it looks like a good find.
If you're lucky, that "hole" measures 1¼" in circumference. (Which means you won't have to remove the old and degraded metal- or plastic- "bailer" parts).
If you want to go sailing tomorrow, go to NAPA, and buy a $4.50 expandable "freeze plug". Install with the big washer inside the cockpit. Picture: Look at this Bailer! Weird! | SailingForums.com
Given adequate time, there are two other choices:
1) Go to a forum online advertiser, and buy a replacement "plastic bailer". Starting with a fresh bailer, you'll need every piece (~$45), so I wouldn't try to economize with fewer/degraded parts.
I think the big rubber O-ring that the instructions tell you to install outside/underneath functions as a shock absorber, so keeping it installed reduces the chances of experiencing a bailer fracture and eventual disintegration