Does anyone know what these brackets are for near the hatch?

[Venture25_79]

There are four of them, two per side on the cockpit opening under the pop top forward of the companionway. I can't tell if they are factory or aftermarket .. they are simple "L" brackets that provide vertical non threaded holes for something to attach to...

[Stickinthemud57]

I have similar brackets on my 26S, but only two (one on each side). They are equipped with upside-down J-shaped hooks with bolts on the stem, the purpose of which is to hook to the pop-top supports when the pop top is down to prevent it being opened. I could see this being important when trailering.

[kc0imf]

My 1971 venture 21 does not have these. I would think with the pop up extended this would create a very good spot for ground someone hurt.

[Venture25_79]

Thanks! After looking closer with the hatch closed, it does appear that these were once used to hook the hatch down. I think i will remove them. I do knock my elbow against them when the top is open.

[Stickinthemud57]

Ouch! Watch out for that!

Just be sure to secure the pop top when trailering.

[Venture25_79]

You mean gravity doesn't do it for me????

[Stickinthemud57]

Gravity. Friend or foe? Depends on what is being affected, right?

When I saw those hooks I went "Why?" Locking yourself inside your boat to avoid marauders? The only thing that makes sense to me would be to keep it from being sucked open by the lower pressure of air passing overhead when trailering (see Bernoulli's Principle). That's my guess anyway.