1986 Alpha 1 - hole in bottom corner?!

[Blueghost924]

I haven't taken out the boat out this season because of injuries but will this weekend. Walking around the boat I noticed this hole in the bottom of my Alpha 1. I've started up and ran the engine each month and have engaged the sterndrive. I haven't noticed any oil leakage from this area on the ground. I've also cracked the top oil plug and oil is definitely filled to the top.

Should I be concerned?

 

[Bt Doctur]

that hole is to drain the cavity just in front of the shift shaft, usually a drill bit or homemade drill bit to clean the mud and debris before it freezes and cracks the case

 

[GA_Boater]

That's a weep hole to drain a cavity behind and above the hole.

Why is it so rusty? Have you changed the water pump lately?