Dictionary Definition
gunwale n : wale at the top of the side of boat;
topmost planking of a wooden vessel [syn: gunnel, gun rest]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Pronunciation
-
- Rhymes: -ʌnəl
Alternative forms
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Extensive Definition
The gunwale ( "gunnel" to rhyme with "tunnel") is
a
nautical term describing the top edge of the side of a boat.
Wale is the same word as the skin injury, a
weal, which, too, forms a
ridge. Originally the gunwale was the "Gun ridge" on a
sailing warship. This represented the
strengthening wale or structural band added to the design of the
ship, at and above the level of a gun deck. It was
designed to accommodate the stresses imposed by the use of artillery.
In wooden boats, the gunwale remained, mounted
inboard of the sheer
strake, regardless of the use of gunnery. In modern boats, it
is the top edge of the side where there is usually some form of
stiffening.
On a canoe, the gunwale is typically
the widened edge at the top of the side of the boat, where the edge
is reinforced with wood,
plastic or aluminum.
On a rowing
boat (especially in sports),
the gunwale is sometimes referred to as the saxboard.
gunwale in Danish: Essing
gunwale in German: Dollbord