Tips from the Pro

Bolt down your bailer with a spring hook and D-ring

Comment On This Article

Add to My Favorites

Don't Lose That Bailer!

Bailers need to be attached to the craft to avoid loss. Often this is done using a length of cord that is long enough to use the bailer without untying. Unfortunately this presents a safety hazard -- if it's long enough to provide any choice of bailing location, it's plenty long enough to entangle you during a capsize!

A short cord and a quick-release is a better way of attaching bailers.

One-handed quick release is essential -- you need the other hand to hold your paddle. Reattachment must be one handed too -- you don't want to be still fumbling or looking for a lost paddle as you enter the next set of big waves!

A simple spring hook tied to the bailer works if there is a ring to easily hook it into.

A ring that's rigid and stands up is essential to allow fast one-hand operation with the spring hook. The ring on a regular D-ring tiedown patch lies flat, so it's not easy to hook into!

A ring that stands up all the time can be arranged by locking the ring of a standard D-ring patch in the up position. It's done in a jiffy with dollops of 5-minute epoxy or hot melt glue. Choose metal rings - plastic breaks too easily when locked.

Warning - be aware that the ring can be a great trap for a toe, making boating barefoot even more inadvisable than it already is. Depending on the outfitting in your boat, well forward in the bow or behind the rear seat might do.