Wonder why they're staggered and angle-cut in the bilge area?

I'm sure the stagger and angle have something to do with it. Dosent seem like any secure way to clamp a kicker outboard to it with any real safety.

Was it for cable routing? Did the throttle / shift cables run through there?

maybe a mount for a hoist to remove an engine?

no, it is mounted roughly on center with the port engine but i dont believe it has anything to do with that motor. heres a little better view of where its located. its about 2 inches off the floor of the cockpit under the rear seat, comes out in the bilge on top of the ledge where the tanks at. Heres a pic out of the boat.

It protected the gun barrels of both short and long rifles or autos.

an old smugglers boat....maybe

nope, i believe it was bought from the original owner. i have looked at it several times and am stumped

why cant you ask the Orig owner.

this is more fun :D