Semi-automatic bailer plug
A semi-automatic boiler plug assembly having a mounting plate with a central hole aligned with a bailer hole on a boat transom is described. Attached to the mounting plate is a cylinder and piston therein made of a resilient material which seats in the central hole of the mounting plate in a closed position. Two arms extending to either side of the piston, and through slots on opposite sides of the cylinder, guide the piston in its travel back and forward in the cylinder. Immediately behind the piston is a spring to bias the piston forward in the cylinder toward the closed position. On the outside of the cylinder are two hinge plates attached to the piston by guide arms and by hinge pins that pass through a hole in the hinge plates and into the piston guide arms. Formed onto the outboard side of the hinge plates are hollow chambers which form floats. Across the rear edge and placed perpendicular to the hinge plates, and extending beyond the two hinge plates to the outermost face of each float is a coupling plate. The coupling plate joins together both hinge plates and floats to comprise a hinged float assembly which pivots in unison to open or close the bailer hole. The outer face of the coupling plate is fluted, serrated or otherwise deformed to create a rough surface to assist the automatic triggering of the spring-biased bail plug when the boat transom is placed in the water.