[GRANDCAPRI26]

I own a 26 Catalina Capri with a wing keel. She's in the water and winterized. Upon a recent visit to make sure it's doing ok in the winter, I noticed what appears to be a thickened dried molasses type residue near both keel bolt, I try to post a photo...anyways, although it's pretty likely I've rested on the muddy bottom a few times during very low tides, I'm concerned the residue near the keel bolts is symptomatic of a bigger problem. My bilge runs very clean, which makes readily identification of a new "leak" almost immediate....any thoughts or suggestions to determine it's origin would be appreciated.

 

[deniseO30]

not sure of this one but many Catalinas had wood in the keel stub.

 

[krisscross]

Maybe it is something leaking from the far end of the picture? If it is cold, it could be oil. Any smell to it?

 

[desert rat]

Use a wet rag is it water soluble?

 

[aloof]

Someone spilled something? Cola? Doesn't look like it is bolt related ??

 

[smj]

Where did the hose come from that looks like it has a wooden bung and wire ties wrapped around it? Could be something leaking from the hose or possibly a leak around your keel bolt. If the area of glass around the keel bolt has been saturated with water it's possible it would have a dark gummy appearance.

 

[GRANDCAPRI26]

Thanks for the responses, sometimes just by looking at something with a different set of "eyes" can be helpful,
I'll try the wet rag approach and determine its solubility, I hadn't thought about that.. Given that it has not been used since being winterized, I suspect some small amount of unaccounted for (notice I didn't say spilled ;- ) ) oil may have migrated to the lower binge area.
The hose extends upward from there terminating at the hand held bilge pump.... I'll continue to track down the origin of the "spill", but take comfort in no one suggesting failure of the keel assembly..
Thanks all....

 

[Minnewaska]

It may be easier to clean it up and check back shortly to see if more finds it's way in. Sometimes, leaving powder in the bilge, will make it easier to identify the path, particularly if the liquid does not leave a trail from where it started.