Zodiac inflatable self bailers (question please)

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RIPCORD

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Hi sorry to sound daft, but I wondered if someone could tell me about inflatable self bailers. looking at mine, I have two at each end of the transom, both with a single black valves inside, and a bung for each bailer . I assume that when under way, the pressure will force the water through the bailers, I understand that part, So why do the bailers have bungs? was just a bit worried when I try the boat out this weekend, what do I do with the bungs? again, I assume I take these out prior to launching. any advise would be very welcome. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Use to sail a FINN . That had self bailers . If you were not going fast enough boat just fills with water . Would launch with bungs in or you may get a boat full . The self bailer use to suck water out .. All clever stuff .. Have you read the book ...... Checked the internet .. Rang a Zodiac Dealer .. Have fun ..
 
cheers for that , so am I right in thinking the bungs should be pushed in when the boat is static? and taken out when underway!
 
Dinghies have self bailers because they tip over. Are you sure they are self-bailers in an inflatable? - I would expect them to be drains. Inflatables tend to be stored in davits and fill with rain so bungs are provided (left out when in davits) to prevent the weight of rain water becoming a problem. A dinghy self-bailer is usually a rear facing metal chute that can clip open or shut. Only to be opened when sailing forwards at a reasonable speed so water is sucked out of hull. If opened when stationery boat is simply scuttled!

I have been considering putting thin walled rubber tubing (like a section of bike inner tube) in the floor of my tender for the same reason. the plan is that rain will drain out, but when in the sea, the tube will flatten out with water pressure & sea water will not get in. Any one have anything similar in their inflatable?
 
I have a Zodiac Rib (Pro 500) with what sounds like the same self bailers. The bailers will only work when you are moving forward so the bungs are there to stop you filling up when not under way. I had a close shave recently when the boat yard put the Rib in the water and did not follow my instructions to put the bungs in beforehand. Luckily, I was there within minutes to rectify the situation !
 
Thanks for that Searush & Boat Bouy, sounds exactly the same as your Zodiac Rib, Which makes it much more clearer, just wanted to be safe. appreciate your time.
Ripcord
 
Searush, funny that, I know more about those type of bailers then my own, that system is better known as a elephant trunk,and it does exactly what you say, the preasure allows water to pass from inside the boat, the rubber material outside , will close and like you say, stop the water from entering the boat.I bought one the day, but found out the holes on my transom are too low, and the trunk is too long
Ripcord
 
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