Water in the bilge...from where? OMC 800

[Manipulator]

I installed a new boot and it was sealed good, real good with 3M 5200. It doesn't leak. I ran the boat on muffs for a while and no leaks from anywhere (engine, hoses etc). I seem to always get a little water in the bilge, I figured my boot was getting old, which it was. I figured it was allowing some water to seep in. Now when in the water I get some water in there. Not a lot, most here would say not even to worry about, not enough to even prime the bilge pump. I probably get a inch of water at the transom. It just bugs me as water leads to rotten stringers, transom etc. I looked around and I know the boot is fine, no leaks, shift cable is fine and sealed well with 3m 5200 (over kill). Ever year its the same amount of water in the bilge, no more, no less. Any ideas? I was thinking the only other place possible is the steering rod. I looked at the seal, it looked ok. Is it common for this to leak?