Odd Through Hull Drain Stain Line

[NYClipper171]

While shopping for my first Cape Dory Typhoon I found an interesting telltale. The starboard through hull from the cockpit had a rust stain line. Not uncommon except for the direction the stain led. The stain started at the through hull and ran up toward the starboard water line. Normally a stain line such as this would lead from the hole toward the keel and down. Anyone ever seen this and what is the cause?

[Jim Walsh]

Is the Ty in Australia?

[Paul D.]

Besides a bizarre stored-upside-down conspiracy theory, (can you imagine?) perhaps a metal strap with a hook for the thru hull hole was used to hold down a winter cover. Great winter puzzler!

Try FSR or Muriatic acid to get the stain out.