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Andersen stainless steel automatic bailers for dinghies — Mini, Super Mini, Super Medium, Super Max and Large, for inside or outside mounting, plus replacement grids and service kits. Click here to read more.

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Andersen Automatic Bailers: Sizes, Inside or Outside Mounting, Grids and Service Kits

An automatic bailer is a self-draining fitting set through the hull or floor of a dinghy so that water leaves the boat without you scooping it out. Every complete bailer in this collection is an Andersen, made of stainless steel; Andersen describes its bailers as recognised by dinghy sailors as the most effective and reliable means of automatic bailing. The choice comes down to three things: whether your boat takes an inside-mounted or outside-mounted bailer, the size of the opening you need, and the cutout your hull can take.

Andersen Bailer Models in This Collection

Figures are from the Andersen bailer data sheet: opening area is the size of the opening, and the fitting hole is the cutout you make in the hull or floor. Check the cutout on the product page before you cut anything.

Inside or Outside Mounting

Andersen splits its range by how the bailer is fitted. The Super Mini, Super Medium and Super Max are for inside mounting, with a nominal hull thickness of 8 mm in the data sheet (the Super Max shows 8 mm and 3/8 in, so confirm that one against your hull). The Mini and Large are for outside mounting, with a nominal hull thickness of 4 mm. Match the bailer to the thickness and construction of your hull or floor, and to where the flange can sit.

Choosing the Size

A larger opening area passes more water. Among the complete bailers, the Super Mini and Mini are the smallest (250 and 255 mm²), then the Super Medium (350 mm²), the Large (435 mm²) and the Super Max (540 mm²). The right one is the biggest that fits your cutout space and mounting type; the catalog does not tie a model to a specific dinghy class, so check your class rules and boat plan.

Replacement Grids and Service Kits

The grid and service kit listings are parts for existing Andersen bailers, not complete bailers. Match them to the same size name as the bailer you own. The listing text does not say what is inside a service kit, so ask before ordering if you need to know.

Who It's For

Dinghy sailors and racers who want water draining without bailing by hand, and owners replacing a worn Andersen grid or servicing an existing bailer. For draining the bilge of a keelboat or cruiser, a bilge pump is the right tool instead: see how to choose a bilge pump.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between inside and outside mounting?
Andersen lists the Super Mini, Super Medium and Super Max for inside mounting and the Mini and Large for outside mounting. They differ in the fitting hole, flange size and the nominal hull thickness they are made for (8 mm inside, 4 mm outside).

Which Andersen bailer is for racing from a hiking position?
The Super Mini Special. Andersen designs it for racing dinghies where the bailer is operated from a hiking position, and it is mounted without a spring lever.

What size hole do I cut for an Andersen bailer?
It depends on the model: for example 40 x 85 mm for the Super Mini, 43 x 110 mm for the Super Medium, 54 x 110 mm for the Super Max, 38 x 73 mm for the Mini and 41 x 104 mm for the Large. Confirm against the product page before you cut.

Are the grid and service kit complete bailers?
No. They are replacement parts for an existing Andersen bailer of the same size name.

Can I use a bailer instead of a bilge pump on my keelboat?
No. These are dinghy bailers built for draining dinghy floors. A cruiser's bilge needs a bilge pump — our bilge pump guide covers sizing and manual versus automatic.