Newbie Question

First post, so be gentle with the rubber gloves.

I have recently been looking at clinker designs, particularly whaleboats. While looking through some archive stuff I came across something I havn't seen before.

Does anyone know what this handle-like structure is attached to the hull of this old whaleboat? This looks to be the starboard side of the boat, and I am assuming there is another one port as well but I have never seen them before.

Handles for carrying? Tie-down for inverted storage on a deck?

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

All of the above, plus serving as skids to protect the bottom when hauling the boat ashore.

Also lifesaving handles to hang onto if the boat finds herself inverted at sea (easy to envision with a whaleboat.)

Welcome aboard.

Chris

 

Handles, etc..

Wow, thanks for the quick response and the welcome.

I can definitely see them for carrying or hanging on when the boat has capsized. They look quite high on the hull given the draught of most 27' whalers.

Do these have a name? I can't seem to find another picture or reference to them anywhere.

Thanks again,

MA