Impeller shaft tunnel help

[kyle]

I sucked up a rope last night for the first time due to some crazy river current. Long story short when I pulled the pump and impeller shaft this morning my boat was parked with the rear higher than the front. When I pulled the cleanout plug water inside where the impeller shaft was/goes. Does water normally get in there? I put the shaft back in but then wondered if I should have turned the boat around and drained the water out of the tunnel where it slides in. I couldn't see what looked like a seal or anything so I assume water is always able to get in there. Help please