Freeboard Brackets-WHAT are they for?

[Jim H SR]

On the port and starboard sides of the freeboard, by the rub-rail, about midway in the cockpit area are two brackets. These are similar to those used by the boarding ladder on the transom, but these are spaced just slightly too far apart to be used by the ladder. WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?My curiosity is driving me crazy(as is this recent blizzard we had). Somebody, please let me know.Rob in TX, do you know?Thanx

 

[Rob R.]

Sorry Jim....

Without a photo, I'm having a hard time guessing. Can you tell us exactly where they are, and what they look like (general shape, etc..?) I'm wondering if they are similar to boarding steps, which aren't completely uncommon.See if you can shoot us a picture, especially with that neat new photo feature Phil just hooked up for us.Take care -Rob

 

[John Visser]

Terminlogy: Freeboard

Freeboard is a measuremetn, or dimension. The part of the boat I belive you are referrign to is called the topsides.from:http://www.tcmall.com/nauticalknowhow/GLOSSARY.htmFREEBOARD - The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale.TOPSIDES - The sides of a vessel between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com]

Different ladder?

Could they be the mounting brackets for a different type of ladder? I'm with Rob - post a pic!LaDonna

 

[Roger]

Tricky sneakers

John,Good info. I know about freeboard being a measurment from small boat sailing (12 guys aboard makes for very little freeboard) but not the term 'topsides' for the unwetted hull. Hmmm... All those years I wore topsiders I used them to walk the deck instead of horizontally on the hull! My mistake.

 

[Jim H SR]

Thank You Roger!

I thought I used the correct terminology, but I'm kinda a newbie to the "fine" terminology. Anyway, I have no answer yet and no way to send a picture(no scanner). Maybe someone will come up with the answer...........