newb questions
 

Don't beat me up over these questions but I am stumped.

1. What are the "slider" rails going down the inside of the gunwhales? They are about 5 feet long and are starting just aft of the motor controls. I have seen them in several pics of the helm area.

2. I have two teak access panels that upen up to the same cavity and are just aft of the gas tank in the deck. The cavity has a drain that goes to the bilge. What are they? Storage?

the slider rails were I believe for the original canvas top....you could slide the arms forward out of the way so the top folded down against the windshield . Some people still mount biminis using that style but I like mine out on the gunwhale for more room inside.

not sure of the original setup on those teak hatches on a 78....I'm sure someone will answer your question in no time.

and remember the old saying somehing about the only dumb question is the one not asked....or something like that.

I don't know for sure but I think that may be a fish box. I'm not that familiar with that year model though. In the older ones the two hatches were separate compartments for fish and ice or whatever you want to put there. Unless they are water tight I would doubt they'd be intended for storage of anything you want to keep dry. However they'd work well for stowing bumpers, dock lines, etc.

I put my top on the rails and all they wanted to do was bend down. I'm going to get ride of the rails and put a mount on the top of the gunwhales.