[Goosegirl]

There's a film I've watched before on tape but I can't remember its name. It's similar to The Perfect Storm but they were in a similar position and all I can remember is that some people were swinging on what I call gantries or ladders that swung off the side of their boat. 

[Kleftiwallah]

No idea about the film Goosegirl, but the term for the structure from which the lifeboats hang is davits.
Cheers,  Tony.

[snowdrops]

Poseidon Adventure?

[wighty]

Poseiden adventure is bound to be on over Christmas, it always is.  Apart from Toy Story 4 I can't see any others that I haven't been watching all year.

[mumofstig]

all I can remember is that some people were swinging on what I call gantries or ladders that swung off the side of their boat.

That could even be Titanic 

[Goosegirl]

None of those I'm afraid. I think it was some sort of fishing boat and didn't involve lifeboats. The thingies which swung off the side of the boats were like some sort of crane.

[Kleftiwallah]

Goosegirl,  you mean the had large birds lashed to the sides of the ship?  I'll get me coat!

Cheers,  Tony.

[Goosegirl]

I did wonder if someone would say that! 

[jezza]

Hello are you thinking of Whisky Galore with Gordon Jackson who salvaged a ship full of whisky under the customs officers noses   jezza

[AndyRVTR]

When you say 'on tape', how long ago was the movie made?

[Goosegirl]

It was on the tv and I've seen it a couple of times either this year or late last year. Not Whisky Galore, as it was in colour and the rain was lashing down and someone was saved from the end of the rigging jobbie.

[snowdrops]

There’s been a remake of Whisky Galore with Eddie Izzard in it

[AndyRVTR]

I was up at 4am and decided to look for a movie to watch, and I came across one called The Finest Hours, which might be what you're looking for! But then again, it might not be!