RicksRig, Bullseye with SelfBailer??

Posted by RicksRig on Jun 12th 2012

Launched my BullsEye last September and have had quite a few sailing trips on Birch Bay this winter & spring.  Really enjoying getting back to dinghy sailing.  So responsive.  But most of the rides are quite wet!  Finding it very easy to get water coming in over the side in just 12-15 knots wind.  And then its very difficult to get the water out, not having the skill to handle a bailing bucket with my foot.  (Both arms very busy with tiller and mainsheet).  However, the Bullseye still can sail quite nicely even half full of water.  So, I'm considering installing one (or two) Elvtrom/Andersen self bailers. I had one in my Fireball (first boat I built 45 years ago), and it worked quite well.  But the Fireball was much faster than the Bullseye. Also concerned about it leaking.  Besides daysailing jollies on the bay, the Bullseye's second function is to be our faithful yacht tender for the big sailboat.  Do not want to find the Bullseye full of water every morning, or even full of water after leaving at a dingy dock for a couple of hours... Can anyone share their experience with this situation?