Factory made holes in keel?

[iCraft'77]

Morning y'all.
My 1977, 16' StarCraft Sport has holes in the keels.
I am reconditioning the entire boat and after sandblasting the bottom, I found a 1/4" hole at the front of the keel (one on each keel). These holes were covered when I started the cleanup process. There is no additional holes at the keel's rear end, and I am assuming that if water gets into the keel, it wont get out easily.
I am about to cover the holes again before painting the hull, but I wanted to consult with the forum before proceeding. There might be a reason why those holes exist after all.
I will appreciate any input on this.
Thanks

 

[Watermann]

If your referring to the drain holes in the riveted on center keel strip and bottom strakes then yes the holes should be there, they are on the outside of the hull.

 

[iCraft'77]

If your referring to the drain holes in the riveted on center keel strip and bottom strakes then yes the holes should be there, they are on the outside of the hull.

Should there be another hole at the end to let the water out?

 

[GA_Boater]

Howdy, iCraft.

Mine only has a hole at one end. The strip is not sealed in any way and the hole works like an air bleed, like removing your finger from the end of a straw after taking it out of liquid.

 

[Moserkr]

@iCraft'77 The ones in the front are factory. Mine had been covered by the PO as well so I opened them back up. In freezing climates you dont want water trapped in there. Had the same thought about the rear and I drilled holes to drain the rear too. Quite a bit of water came out actually.

 

[iCraft'77]

@iCraft'77 The ones in the front are factory. Mine had been covered by the PO as well so I opened them back up. In freezing climates you dont want water trapped in there. Had the same thought about the rear and I drilled holes to drain the rear too. Quite a bit of water came out actually.

Thanks for your replies guys. My knowledge on Physics are limited, but I thought that if there are not other holes, the air can not scape thus water can not get in, like in the early Diving Bells, but I don't know if it works that way in real life . Plus, the strips will be sealed all around after I apply all layers of primer and paint.
Just a bit confused and undecided if I should close the holes or not.
She will be in south Florida, so, freezing temps not an issue here...for now!
Thanks again

 

[Moserkr]

Paint probably wont keep it “water tight” since the strakes werent put on with a sealer. Mine were sealed with coat-it, the holes plugged, and water still got in. Plus im in a freezing climate so thats why I added a rear hole at the lowest drain point - wanted it completely dry. Leave em open and have fun painting in FL!