self bailer defects?

[Guest wwbaginski]

I'm wondering if there are typical defects of self bailers in relation to  circumstances, for exapmle if sand can cause some damage when landing and setting off a beach, or a bailer is able to defect the plywood around in case of hitting a rock, and so on. I'll appreciate any reports on troubles and any tips how to aviod troubles. I'm going to use Anderson large in a BRS bottom.

[Tom Lathrop]

Number one source of problems with Andersen bailers is launching off a trailer with the bailer open.  It can hit stuff and deform enough to leak.

If closed, sand is not a problem.

Never seen a structural problem.

Mount where it is protected from your feet and your feet are protected from it.  Under a thwart alongside the CB works best on CS.  That is the opposite side of keelson from the CB.

[Guest wwbaginski]

thanks. It is an important notice, about being careful when launching a boat off a trailer. In fact I   imagine a bailer will be opened when the hull is on a trailer. to let a rain water go off the hull.

[Cricket]

Trailer damage is definitely the #1 culprit of bailer damage. I'm pretty careful with my boats, but I have forgotten to close the bailers on my sharpie twice now (even with a sign hanging on the winch that says close the bailers!). The last time was on launching for an overnight camping trip in the Chesapeake, and one bailer leaked the whole time making for a very wet bilge. I've decided to take out the Andersens, and replace them with Perko garboard drains (screw out). Its too bad because I like the Andersens and have always used them.

The hole you cut in the plywood for the bailer should also be very thoroughly sealed with epoxy and painted.

Jim Luton

[sscoville]

Tom, didn't I read once that you use an Anderson and a traditional drain w/ plug at the transom?  I'm assuming with this set up you can leave the transom drain open when the boat's on the trailer and use the Anderson only when underway.  Unless I misunderstand the function of the Andersons.