what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

[jbeezie]

I have a 96 Wellcraft Scarab 18.5 ft boat. Im wondering what the purpose of this cable is on the top of the hull in front. Its dead center and runs the length of the front. Is it a tension cable?

 

[5150abf]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

If you can get a picture up that woudl help, I really can't think of any reaso to have an exposed cable on the bow.

Maybe someone else will know but pics will help alot.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

Is the boat equipped with a ski pole? A lot of these have eyelets specifically built into the hull to run a tensioned cable to the front of the ski pole to reduce the rearward pull, keeping it from bending under load.

 

[QC]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

I think this was more of a cosmetic thing, with a history back to offshore racers. For them I think it was a handrail when climbing out on the bow. It may add some rigidity to the bow fore to aft, but I don't think that was a primary motivator. I can't find a pic, but I'll keep looking.

 

[Cincyrunner]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

A photo would be nice so we could tell what the heck you're talking about.

 

[QC]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

I know what he's talking about, it is a cable that runs the center line from just in front of the windshield to the just aft of the tip of the bow. There are stands that hold it off the deck a couple of inches. Just like a center mounted "bow rail".

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

Superboats all had those too. Never really knew why.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

its to tie off to or hold on to while setting the anchor

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

Does it have a boat cover? Maybe its a makeshift support for a tarp to help keep rain water from pooling up.

Maybe it was a way to mark his half of the boat and for her to stay on her side.

 

[QC]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

See posts 4, 6, 7 and 8. That's what it is.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

I'll go for "something to hold onto while forward. It's easy to get thrown off that deck in any kind of water....nothing to hold onto...so they improvised. BTDT and a cleat (chock) for an anchor rope doesn't get it.

Mark

 

[jbeezie]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

Thank you everyone for the input. Ill post pics shortly, but some sound like they know already.

 

[jbeezie]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

View attachment 110392

 

[cobalt1999]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

My friend had a Searay Pachanga, his boat had that bow cable.

 

[Philster]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

Here is the small Scarab and the cable.

http://rockhardchic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/new-ads-001.jpg

 

[Maclin]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

It is used for supporting wing-walker type stunts

 

[Maclin]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

...or more likely, to AVOID performing a wing-walker stunt accidentally.

I've been here all week

 

[mpdive]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

That's an ex-wife shark feeding attachment line. Very common

 

[mpdive]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

Nice Boat Mischief!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: what is this cable for on the top of my boat??

Nice Boat Mischief!

Not mine, but I agree. I love fast OBs.