I would like to install autobailers into a Mirror that I am restoring. Are there class rules that limit this in any way? Am I ok to install two or do the rules limit it to just one?
Thanks.
I've never known of any rule restricting this to one, and indeed it may not be safe to have only one as you need to get the water out fast when racing to avoid stressing the hull. (Don't make the mistake of fitting bigger ones than are normal on a Mirror though - I knew someone who fitted a big one to a Gull and it didn't bail well at all, often letting more water in than out. Two small ones are best.)
I quote the class rules:
"1.4.15 There shall be no holes passing though the hull shell other than for the daggerboard, the transom drain holes, the transom drainage holes, mainsheet hole, rowlock drain holes on Mark 1 boats, suction bailers and fixings.
"1.5.4 Not more than two suction bailers may be fitted. "
If you have any more questions as to rule-conformity, download a copy of the class rules at http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/MIR2012CR300812-%5B13372%5D.pdf and occasionally check the ISAF pages for newer versions (see the "Links" collection on this site).
Personally I've lived without self-bailers and not missed them in 27 years or so of Mirror ownership.
Maybe you should contact our member Martin to see what his experiences to date are, as he started a thread on the topic: see http://forum.mirrordiscussforum.org/node/311 .
Wishing all success in the restoration!
Gernot H.
A single Andersen mini has served me well. It is fitted to the port side of the centreboard and seems to work better on port tack than starboard tack. To get the bailer working upwind takes quite a concentrated sailing effort. Unless I sit on the gunwale it will let more water in than out. I weigh 13 stone and normally sail singlehanded. If you sail in a leisurely manner or are very light, the automatic bailer will almost always be shut when out on the water and fitting two will be of limited value.
When you cut the hole(s) in the bottom of the hull, get a bit of paint, varnish or epoxy on the exposed end grain of the plywood to seal it up. I glued mine in with silicone sealant which has provided a reliable watertight seal and allowed removal later. There are some sealants which are extremely adhesive and will take the varnish and/or the top vaneer of the ply off if you have to remove it later.
You'll need a friend to help with tightening the little bolts that fasten it to the hull.
David Cooper
Sat, 10/04/2014 - 19:53
Permalink
Two's fine, so far as I know
I've never known of any rule restricting this to one, and indeed it may not be safe to have only one as you need to get the water out fast when racing to avoid stressing the hull. (Don't make the mistake of fitting bigger ones than are normal on a Mirror though - I knew someone who fitted a big one to a Gull and it didn't bail well at all, often letting more water in than out. Two small ones are best.)
PuffinInTegel
Sat, 10/04/2014 - 21:47
Permalink
Bailers
I quote the class rules:
"1.4.15 There shall be no holes passing though the hull shell other than for the daggerboard, the transom drain holes, the transom drainage holes, mainsheet hole, rowlock drain holes on Mark 1 boats, suction bailers and fixings.
"1.5.4 Not more than two suction bailers may be fitted. "
If you have any more questions as to rule-conformity, download a copy of the class rules at http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/MIR2012CR300812-%5B13372%5D.pdf and occasionally check the ISAF pages for newer versions (see the "Links" collection on this site).
Personally I've lived without self-bailers and not missed them in 27 years or so of Mirror ownership.
Maybe you should contact our member Martin to see what his experiences to date are, as he started a thread on the topic: see http://forum.mirrordiscussforum.org/node/311 .
Wishing all success in the restoration!
Gernot H.
Nebu
Sun, 10/05/2014 - 00:57
Permalink
Thank you very much for the feedback
Regards, Josh Hall.
sail_and_oar
Sun, 10/05/2014 - 21:04
Permalink
Self bailers
A single Andersen mini has served me well. It is fitted to the port side of the centreboard and seems to work better on port tack than starboard tack. To get the bailer working upwind takes quite a concentrated sailing effort. Unless I sit on the gunwale it will let more water in than out. I weigh 13 stone and normally sail singlehanded. If you sail in a leisurely manner or are very light, the automatic bailer will almost always be shut when out on the water and fitting two will be of limited value.
When you cut the hole(s) in the bottom of the hull, get a bit of paint, varnish or epoxy on the exposed end grain of the plywood to seal it up. I glued mine in with silicone sealant which has provided a reliable watertight seal and allowed removal later. There are some sealants which are extremely adhesive and will take the varnish and/or the top vaneer of the ply off if you have to remove it later.
You'll need a friend to help with tightening the little bolts that fasten it to the hull.
Cliff