by Guest » Mon Aug 06, 2001 1:36 pm
Bob,
Don't pull your bailer out too soon. If the gasket is leaking, you can make a new one for about $1.00. I bought a sheet of 3/16" closed cell foam at the hardware store which worked great. If you are having problems w/ water coming in while you are sailing w/ it open, you're simply not sailing fast enough to utilize it...close it up. My floor bailer will only draw out water if I'm moving 4-6 mph (or faster) through the water. This if fine because in light winds you shouldn't be getting water in the boat anyway. On big wind days, though, it's invaluable to be able to draw out a couple hundred gallons when you get tossed up on your ear and take on a bunch of water. I often get water over the rails when pushing it and a gust hits. With the bailer I just keep on sailing and the water is gone in just a few minutes. I love mine and would never talk of taking it out.
Kevin Clark
DS 11791 (a Spindrift DS1)
kevin clark (kevin.clark-at-usa.alcatel.com)