On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 05:37:44 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


"Wayne.B" wrote in message
.. .
On Thu, 09 Nov 2006 20:20:21 GMT, "scbafreak" u25927@uwe wrote:

I have been looking at pictures of classic style sailing boat and keep
seeing
this barrel in the middle of the deck on them. It's not on all of them
but
it seems to be recurring. What is it for? I have never seen it in person
but
here is a picture.

http://www.theyachtmarket.com/viewla...&imageid=49536


Does anybody know. It must have a purpose.

==================================

I'm guessing it might be extra water tankage.


I think it might be a traditional rum keg. I've found several references to
them in passing and they were apparently common on sailing ships and yachts
in the 18th-19th century. The description of this modern vacation yacht
also mentions a deck mounted rum keg.

http://www.travelholiday.com/article...article_id=102

Eisboch


A tot o' rum was daily fare in the British Navy, unless, of course, the
ship was in the Mediterranean, in which case the rum was often replace with
wine.