2001 135 Optimax with an empty hole.

[papalobster]

Hi folks, newbie here. I've been lurking for a couple years, but never had a real reason to post as most of the questions I had were easily searchable. I have an 01 Optimax 135 on a 25 ft. Premier pontoon. I was changing spark plugs last week and came across this empty hole on the port side of the exhaust divider plate. It isn't threaded, but the lack of paint suggests something was or should be there. There's no oil nor exhaust film on it, so it just might me a blind mounting hole. Cruising through Mercury parts diagrams have proved fruitless and pretty much every other forum and boat owner says "Take it to the dealer, they;ll figure it out". That's not how I roll.

Here's a pic of said hole.


Zoomed out a tickle for reference.

[XstreamVking]

Has splines for removal inside. It is probably a left over hole for the old analog water pressure fittings. You are looking at the plug they installed since it is no longer used.

[papalobster]

Ah, that makes sense. Thank you!