I just started using a 1/2" elbow with some food grade tubing to make a "L" shaped plug to block off my float box so i can drain it between boils. Doesn't matter that its hollow because one end goes into the hole snug and the other end is above the level of the pan, easy peasy.
2024 - 57 Gallons - Short season, many and varied problems remedied in short order! - No buckets!
2023 - 38 Gallons - RO broke, Buckets didn't run, rebuilt vacuum pump mid-season, still made good syrup!
2022 - 52 Gallons - DIY RO, 50% less fuel, no late nights in the shack!
2021 - 48 Gallons - new pans, new arch, lots of new taps and tubing
2020 - 32 Gallons
2019 - 27 Gallons