Help me identify this and its use....

[S/V Legacy]

Included a photo of the backside of the port forward setee seat back. There seem to be a wooden (bracket?) on the backside of the seat back (see circled in white). It seems to be original equipment, but I cannot see any use that it may be. Any ideas? My boat is a 80' model.

[Jim S]

I have these as well.  They are probably stiffeners. 

[S/V Legacy]

I hadn't even thought of that. Make sense though. I don't believe my other seat back on that side, has that same support.

[SVJourney]

I didn't have those on a 1977.  +1 for stiffener

PS. "stiffener" can be used in your Cards against Humanity game shown in the pic.  Just sayin'.