? About hole in the keel well

May 25, 2019
12
Catalina Capri 25 Mooresville NC
1980 Capri 25. In the cabin looking down on the keel bolts there is a metal plate. It’s used to lift the boat with a crane. If I take the plate out there is a round hole about 1.5”-2” diameter. I cleaned it out and water started coming in. I plugged it with plumbers putty and replaced the plate.

So what’s the hole for? When I put the boat in the water there was no visible damage to the keel or the hull. Anyone have a clue?