Rusty water in the bilge(?)

[capejt]

I went down to open the boat for the season after spending the winter in the water. The bilge had a fair amount of water in it, which was expected due to leaks in the deck where rain seeps in. This is a common occurence every year. What threw me this time is that there is a layer of "rust" on the bottom of the bilge. I haven't had a chance to really investigate where it came from yet, but was wondering if this has happened to anyone else, and where it could be coming from. If it means anything, I changed my engine mounts last year. I was thinking that maybe the rain water washed the "droppings" from all that work into the bilge. Any ideas?
Thanks
Ernie

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ernie, there have been over 100 views of this with no reply. I'm guessing it's 'cuz we really can't se what you are seeing, and trying to explain. If you have a lotta "dust" from your engine mount replacement, then maybe, sure, could be.
We also have no idea what the condition of your keel bots may be. You could also be in an area with heavy dust in the air that could look like rust from the rain that comes down your mast. The possibilities are endless. I hope you get my drift, don't know how to help you without actually being there and looking. Pictures might help.