Welcome sailorgirl/hubby, and nice DS1!
Here's a great explanation of the HIN codes:
http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/hin.htmIn the case of your boat, PCW is for Precision, 13024 is your hull # (and the number that would go on her sail), B6 is her date of certification or manufacture (February 1986), and 86 is her model year, 1986.
The metal bracket is a bailer, often referred to as an Andersen bailer. To use it you open and close it with the wire lever. If it leaks, you can get replacement gaskets at any number of suppliers.
Have fun with your "new" toy!