What is the Purpose of This Toe Rail Fitting

[dkinzer]

In the attached photo, the circled fitting is located near where the chain plates are affixed to the hull and I don't know precisely what its purpose is. My assumption is that it is for attaching a snatch block or similar device to control lines as needed, perhaps for a spinnaker rigging. Can anyone tell me its intended purpose?

 

[nightowle]

I think you're correct, as well as a possible block for a preventer. It's possible it's for setting up a jack line, too.

 

[Will Gilmore]

All of the above? Attaching dock fenders to, tiedown for paddleboard, clipping halyard to so it won't slap at the dock?

I'd feel free to use it for anything it was convenient and handy for.

-Will

 

[Joe]

Previously installed for your convenience to use for anything. Can never have too many padeyes, imho.

 

[Nodak7]

All is good but the true reason for these pad eyes is to attach your jacklines and tethers for man overboard protection when going forward while off shore.

 

[Parsons]

Is this duplicated on the starboard side? I see that you clipped the end of a halyard to the lower shroud turnbuckle. Perhaps the PO was (OCD) neater and wanted a dedicated pad eye to terminate the unused halyard.

 

[jssailem]

It is identified as a PadEye. It is used as a strong attachment to the hull. It can be used for any purpose. It is a multi purpose tool.

Of note it is in the middle of the hull sweep. Near the widest part of the boat's beam. This is a great spot to place a fender as it will be the first place to contact the shore should you bring your boat alongside a dock. It serves as pivot contact point.

If you embrace the use of spring lines in your docking maneuvers a fender in this location is extremely helpful.

 

[sail sfbay]

As pointed out above it is a padeye, an attachment point for any number of purposes stated above........preventer, jack line, harness tether, dock line, fender, etc. Kinda handy. I have three on each side of my sailboat.

 

[dkinzer]

Thanks for all of the ideas. Yes, there is one on the starboard side as well in the same approximate position.

 

[Will Gilmore]

Actually, the one purpose I wouldn't use it for is a tether attachment for a safety harness. Personally, I like keeping those points of attachment as far from overboard as possible. Deck level seems also inconvenient when working under adverse conditions outside the cockpit. I give you my opinion for free, 'cause that's what it's worth.

-Will

 

[kloudie1]

If installed by PO, ya prolly want to make sure that it is through bolted with backing and not simply screwed into the dek surface..

 

[Parsons]

If installed by PO, ya prolly want to make sure that it is through bolted with backing and not simply screwed into the dek surface..

... and also that it was properly bedded so that rain water does not visit your soft wood core. For guidance on bedding, I refer you to the master - Rebedding Deck Hardware With Bed-It Butyl Tape - Marine How To

 

[AndyL]

Found a couple of 41 DS pictures on Google that appear to show the same fitting, so maybe original.

 

[jssailem]

Yes Andy, the pad eye is likely an original hardware item. They are pretty uniform across all boat designs and manufacturers. As was stated, look under the deck to see that the bolts holding the padeye in place have a backing plate and not just a small washer. Even fender washers are of minimal use. Depending on what you plan to attach to the pad eye you want to be sure the pad eye will not pull out through the deck when placed under load.

 

[dkinzer]

the pad eye is likely an original hardware item

The "deck fittings" diagram in the owner's manual does indicate the presence of a pad eye but it indicates that it is located much farther aft. It's probably more useful where it is actually located, slight forward of amidships.