That's a really good question, especially seeing that NightSailor is cutting them back down to fit his boat.Wayne, your picture answered all my questions. Thanks!
Now, why are the later bailer caps longer?
So, the thread is the same, being the length of the cap the only difference between the two?
I never knew of this change. I have noticed that the bailer on my 87 sits against the bottom of the boat, while the ones on my newer boats do not. There's a small gap between the bailer and the bottom of the on the trailing edge that i can't seem to get rid of. Anyone else experience this?
Mine have the same gap. The instructions say it's normal.There's a small gap between the bailer and the bottom of the on the trailing edge that i can't seem to get rid of.
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.
How to tell the difference: The cap thread on the new style bailer is 13/16" deep. The cap thread on the old style bailer is 1-5/16" deep.
I think Torrenson is more confused than we are. The length of the threaded section of the pre-'73 metal bailer cap is also around 13/16", BUT it's an entirely different thread profile. The 13/16" long plastic cap will NOT screw into the metal DePersia bailer body....so, if my boat is from the 1960's, and currently has the metal bailer - which thread length of the plastic options do I order to update it?
Are you referring to the rubber ring that's included with the check-ball?Does the ball need to have that black sleeve/condom around it?
I think Torrenson is more confused than we are. The length of the threaded section of the pre-'73 metal bailer cap is also around 13/16", BUT it's an entirely different thread profile. The 13/16" long plastic cap will NOT screw into the metal DePersia bailer body.
I think the only way you might get a plastic bailer cap to fit your metal bailer is if you install it using a hammer.
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Whew..., oh good.I meant if I replace the whole bailer. I wasn't going to try to piecemeal something together!
That seems to be the mystery.I just wasn't sure if the plastic thread length difference corresponded to a difference in hull construction at the cockpit tub, where certain years of hull construction might be thicker or something.