Hey Elliott,
There is a ton of discussion on the forum about the keel void. (better than the search option here, go to google/other and enter: site: pearsonariel.org "whatever you're looking for" (in quotes)) The manual also has some discussion on pp. 41-42. (Manual, by the way, is well worth your $35.) I'm not blowing you off, but it is better stated than I might several times over elsewhere on the forum! There may also be a diagram in the manual, but I haven't looked for it in a while.
Water is pretty diligent and finds its way wherever it cares to. The void isn't in the front of the keel where you found seepage, but that doesn't surprise me that some worked its way up there. Here in MI where we're unfortunately 6 mo. on the hard, dry-out is an option. Not sure what the advised dry-out regimen might be where our yachts are 24/7/365 in the drink.
KW

p.s. What's your Lake MI port?