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Hello Carter, that rigging access you discuss is basically the same as with my 1996 Dauntless 15. There should be a 1.0 inch drain nearly at the center of that compartment which is visible through the 4 or 5 inch inspection port. If not plugged it well let in either sea water or fresh water which will fill the rigging tunnel that is under your deck. Typicall the accumulated water will drain once underway but, once you slow or stop it refills. There my already be silt or other accumulated in the tunnel and rigging.

If the Dauntless is on a trailer I would suggest a thorough fresh water (with degreaser) flush from the console side access back to the rigging compartment allowing it to drain. I was amazed at what came out of the rigging tunnel in my boat during the flush, old lures, paper, pieces of strange looking things. I also carefully ran an electricians "snake" with an attached rag to wipe and push any stuck debris that may have not cleared while flushing.

In my Project Album I detailed how I installed a small bilge pump within this rigging compartment for removal of any water that gets into this area. I do keep mine plugged when boating but, any deck water that accumulates finds it's way into that compartment thus my bilge pump. Once back on the trailer I pull the plug and drive my rig home using gravity to further drain.

Hope this helps...
Angel M.