What is this wooden clamp-like accessory?

[flagbag]

Can anyone help identify this wooden clamp like accessory we found in a a '77 Oday Day Sailer II. About 22" long & having a snap dangling from a foot-long length of light chain, It is made of two wood blocks with carriage bolts & wingnuts that appear to permit it to be clamped on something. Don't laugh as i was hoping it was some steering assist for single handing but can't figure it out.... Trying to attach pic.

 

[Erieau]

I've attached short lengths of line with clips on the end to several tools. It keeps the tool from swimming.
So that's a possible hint, anyway: it might be used on deck while underway.

 

[flagbag]

Picture of wooden accessory in question

 

[flagbag]

I've attached short lengths of line with clips on the end to several tools. It keeps the tool from swimming.
So that's a possible hint, anyway: it might be used on deck while underway.

Thanks Joe.. nice hint but don't think that's it. I posted picture hope it is visible to you & others....

 

[woodster]

it could be a stanchion mounting filet board for minnows and sardines

 

[justsomeguy]

Almost looks like knife marks in the second photo.

 

[Erieau]

Almost looks like knife marks in the second photo.

Those wear marks could hint at how it was held/used.
Is there anything in the cockpit with the same spacing as those square cutouts on the "clamp"?

 

[flagbag]

Those wear marks could hint at how it was held/used.
Is there anything in the cockpit with the same spacing as those square cutouts on the "clamp"?

Good question.. I have been trying to fit it to deck cabin rudder tiller etc. No clear solution found yet but suspect as you should fit somewhere...

 

[Erieau]

If all else fails, I have a foolproof way to find out:
Chuck the thing in the trash.
You're guaranteed not only to realize what it was for, but also that it's a critical piece of equipment.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

Did the boat have an outboard engine? Could it fit between the hull (or trailer) and the tilted engine as extra support while towing?

 

[flagbag]

If all else fails, I have a foolproof way to find out:
Chuck the thing in the trash.
You're guaranteed not only to realize what it was for, but also that it's a critical piece of equipment.

Yes! True... thanks!

 

[flagbag]

Did the boat have an outboard engine? Could it fit between the hull (or trailer) and the tilted engine as extra support while towing?

Ahhhh maybe. Previous owner reportedly did use outboard occaisionly.. so is wood blocking used somehow when outboard is on.. you might have answer... I will investigate that line of thought... thank you.

 

[kito]

Along the same lines as some kind of an outboard bracket....it could be an adapter for a trolling motor. Looks like the tab has marks where something was clamped to it. No idea on how it was mounted though.

 

[agprice22]

Is it wide enough to clamp on the swim ladder? If so, perhaps it was used to mount a trolling motor to a swim ladder? I cannot imagine two other rails that close together on the boat!

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[kito]

Maybe it connects to the bow pulpit rail to mount something.....maybe a bbq grill. Chain may just clip to the lifline to keep from losing it.

 

[woodster]

the the more i look at it and what has been said i bet it goes on the pulpit lower rail and had a trolling motor mounted on it

 

[kito]

Since it's a small day sailer, maybe a cradle for the mast that attaches to the bow pulpit when towed. Just throwing out ideas..............

 

[Sunbird22358]

Most DS IIs don't have any rails (ie: no bow pulpit, no stern pulpit, obviously no life-line stanchions), no swim ladder, outboard usually clamps direct to transom.

My guess? I think the previous owner mistakingly left the outboard mount from his canoe onboard the DS II. This appears to be a canoe OB mount, it would clamp over/under the inwales (inside gunwales) and the outboard (electric?) would clamp to the large end which would be sticking out t oone side of the boat.

 

[agprice22]

Most DS IIs don't have any rails (ie: no bow pulpit, no stern pulpit, obviously no life-line stanchions), no swim ladder, outboard usually clamps direct to transom. My guess? I think the previous owner mistakingly left the outboard mount from his canoe onboard the DS II. This appears to be a canoe OB mount, it would clamp over/under the inwales (inside gunwales) and the outboard (electric?) would clamp to the large end which would be sticking out t oone side of the boat.

I think you got it! Tell him what he won, Johhny!

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[flagbag]

Most DS IIs don't have any rails (ie: no bow pulpit, no stern pulpit, obviously no life-line stanchions), no swim ladder, outboard usually clamps direct to transom.

My guess? I think the previous owner mistakingly left the outboard mount from his canoe onboard the DS II. This appears to be a canoe OB mount, it would clamp over/under the inwales (inside gunwales) and the outboard (electric?) would clamp to the large end which would be sticking out t oone side of the boat.

That is excellent answer... don't know if right yet but can check it out... understand previous owner did own canoe as well as I heard his estate selling one--a 1950's wooden canoe in excellent shape, they say. Thanks for your reply as well to everyone participating.. it was fun!