Springs, not rings, give reliable function.
Laser bailers suffer frequent O-ring failure. Laser Direct stainless steel replacement springs cost $12 and are fit-and-forget; they will outlast the boat. No more racing with the chute down causing drag when you want it up, and reduced risk of damage when coming ashore. The more positive action also helps keep the bailer open when selected, so you will not have to take off the bung to stop your foot pushing the chute shut.
Laser Direct bailer springs are easily fitted without changes to the bailer. Fitting these will save you time and money on an awkward and fiddly repair; they will also work with broken or weakened pivots, saving the cost of a new bailer.
Rules
ILCA Rule 13 has been changed for 2010 to include the following words- 'The builder-supplied O-rings may be substituted with non builder-supplied alternatives provided the basic function of the bailer is unchanged.' This change means you can use methods other than O-Rings to keep the bailer shut. O-rings are designed as piston seals, not elastic bands - they fail too easily once held on stretch for a long period of time. These bailer springs will never fail.
