The gunwale is the top edge of the hull.
Originally the structure was the “gun wale” on a sailing warship, a horizontal reinforcing band added at and above the level of a gun deck to offset the stresses created by firing artillery.
In modern boats, it is the top edge of the hull where there is usually some form of stiffening. In traditional wooden boat construction these members are often called the “inwale” and “outwale”.
On a canoe, the gunwale is typically the widened edge at the top of its hull, reinforced to carry the thwarts.
On a narrowboat or canal boat, the gunwale is synonymous with the side deck – a narrow ledge running the full length of the craft.
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Translations
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| Danish | Essing |