Self Bailer Replacement

[JBrown_Mi]

The self bailer on my O’Day 3 is broken and leaks. I have bought a new one and hoping to get some advice on how to take the broken bailer out and install the new one. The self bailers on O’Day2’s are the same as my O’Day 3. Thanks … I look forward to hearing from you.

 

[Sunbird22358]

The bailer comes out by unscrewing the hex-shaped top fitting, and then the outside part should pop off (secured by sealant only?). Basically, if all else fails......carefully remove the old bailer with an axe <GRIN>! You can't really damage the area of the hull around the bailer too easily, be gentle, but if you have a new unit, it is OK to break the old one further to get it out. I've replaced the one on my DS II (however, the previous owner had removed the old one!) plus have repaired the "new" one a few times. Last Winter I replaced that hex-shaped part, it just screws out....but had cracked and was allowing water to get between the bailer and the hull. You may want to use a bit of soap on the threads to allow easier turning as you install it. Apply a thin bead of silicone sealant to the underside of that top piece (the hex-shaped piece) and to the underside of the "gasket" that the plug is part of. The "scoop" part should have a little lip (with o-ring seal) that fits into the hole in the bottom of the boat from the outside. Lastly, I filled in around the edge of the "scoop" (between bottom of boat and scoop edge) with silicone sealant. Done!
Kind of wish I'd taken pictures as I re-installed the bailer this Spring! Would have helped now......oh well ,what is it they say about hindsight is always 20-20?