Hi,
Just purchased a 43' Gulfstar sloop. Need to clean out the bilge as
completely as possible. I don't think it's ever been done. The bilge pump
pumped out all it would, lots of oil under the engine, scooped up sludge
around the mast. In the engine room it looks like the bilge slopes down
into the keel - 5'. There is a recessed circular 'whatnot' about a foot
from the bottom toward the rear of the keel. Could that possibly be a way of
draining the keel completely? If so, what would be the procedure; I need to
insure that oil does not empty onto the ground. If it's not a drain, please
reply so.

Thanks,
Barbara