What is that in front of the cockpit drain?

[JerryNewBoat]

All right, I give up, what is the "thing" in the floor of the cockpit right in front of the stern drain? The one in my 1976 DS II is corroded and I can't decide what it is, if it needs to be fixed, or what to do with it! It has a furled rim on the plug apparatus which, when I get it out, looks like it is supposed to drain into the lower hull--which I don't understand.Thanks for the help.

 

[Roger1250]

Depersia bailer

That is the Depersia bailer. It is supposed to drain from the cockpit while under way, through both the cockpit molding and hull molding through an aft facing half clam shape outside and under the hull. In my experience, it only works at speed and poorly at that. It seems to work better with the knurled plug out. I also suctioned (with a shop vac) the metal ball out of the tube. It has a mysterious purpose, something to do with not letting water back in, (but that doesn't function either). Mine is closed most of the time, except when motoring at which time the bailer seems to work. Here is what is is supposed to look like. It is made form aluminum, so should clean up nicely for you.

 

[Roger1250]

Depersia bailer

That is the Depersia bailer. It is supposed to drain from the cockpit while under way, through both the cockpit molding and hull molding through an aft facing half clam shape outside and under the hull. In my experience, it only works at speed and poorly at that. It seems to work better with the knurled plug out. I also suctioned (with a shop vac) the metal ball out of the tube. It has a mysterious purpose, something to do with not letting water back in, (but that doesn't function either). Mine is closed most of the time, except when motoring at which time the bailer seems to work. Here is what is is supposed to look like. It is made from aluminum, so should clean up nicely for you.