Annoying Drain Plugs?
 

https://docs.google.com/a/usd232.org...2G1XnHeR4/edit

Do you think there is a better solution to the drain plug than the known way??? Take the survey above.

This is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist, and it will create other problems. I don't trust cheap plastic parts in critical applications, nor do I trust a single o-ring for a drain plug. That plug design will get clogged up with junk eventually and not close, or bilge gunk will wear the plastic and oring resulting in sloppy fit and leaks after some time. When it breaks or wears out, I'd be looking at at least 24 hours to get back on the water to set a new garboard drain which only costs a few bucks and just plain works.

Also, I don't see how your design is automatic. It's a manual switch using a cable to open/close.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lK...tx6DzhprDJtYcA

https://youtu.be/qS14C_s-JO8

There are some better mousetraps already which are cheaper and IMO superior.

Captive plug:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....OL._SY450_.jpg

Check valve/safety:
http://cdn.overtons.com/product/071/71746_L1.JPG

http://newcontent.westmarine.com/con...075898_LRG.jpg

I think it looks cool but I'd feel much more comfortable if it wasn't plastic. Also I marked that I did forget the drain plug, because I did, but only once on like my 2nd time out owning the boat. We made a lot of mistakes during our first season (~2003 maybe?) but I never forgot the plug after that first time.

On my old MB DD the ballast ports on the back of the boat had the same hardware as everyone's drain plug. I just installed metal ball valves. This allowed me to just open these instead of getting out my wrench every time to drain at the end of the day or get the last bit of water out. If it ever failed it would just fill up my ballast so it wasn't an issue. Probably wouldn't want to do that for your main drain plug but would still be a better solution then OP's option.

I have an automatic bilge so no practical need for an auto drain plug. My threaded brass plug is simple and works for whatever the bilge doesn't get. Auto drain would also get in the way of my oil drain hose that goes out through the drain plug hole.

My v215 came with a captive plug. Love it. Metal, simple, and won't forget it anywhere.

My last boat used a square head plug that needed a wrench. I drilled a hole through it and pressed in a brass rod that stuck out about 0.75-1" on each side so I could install and remove it by hand.

As for the automatic plug, "Do I think it COULD be useful?" Yes, am I interested in buying one, no. Simplicity rules.

I feel like if your an avid boater you should have 1 or 2 spare plugs around at all times . I keep a spare in my truck and in the boat . I saved other peoples day by having those spare plugs as well.

Imagine, if when you forgot your drain plug, that there was a way for your boat to automatically pump water out of the hull until you were able to get the plug back into the boat. Oh wait ... we already have bilge pumps. Solution to a problem that doesn't exist. The bilge pump was a great idea though. It works when you forget to clamp a hose when you install a new impeller as well.

buy 3 plugs. one in the truck, one in boat, one in hole. problem solved.

The standard brass t-handle is hard to improve upon. Who wants plastic or an automatic system below the water line. Its asking for problems. I throw my pug in the drivers foot tray and they never leave the boat so I do not forget about them.

Don't ever expect your bilge pump to keep up with a leak. It probably will not.

It'll keep up long enough to get the problem fixed every time. If yours won't then you have the wrong ballast pump for your boat.

Bingo! I put it in the hatch cover in same spot so I can't forget to put in the plug cause hatch is off. And taking out the rear one is useless, driving up a levee water still doesn't come out that hole

Bilge / ballast... I always install a 2nd pump as backup and as added capacity. However, pull you plug and give your pump a test. It may surprise you.