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Gunwhales ???
Ok, in another thread a question I always have came up. Someone was helpful and corrected me from "gunnel" to "gunwhale". So, what IS a gunwhale? Here is a definition I found googeling: The name (pronounced GUN'L) given to the uppermost line of planking of a boat's sides. In the old ships the upper tier of guns used to fire over the top planking which was therefore specially strengthened by "whales". So, lets say on my boat. Which of the following is the gunwhale and what is the other one called?? A) It's a lapstrake hull. So each next higher "plank" overlaps the one below it. At the top of the side of the hull the last plank is basically perpendicular to the floor / water. B) Then, at a 90 degree angle to that last "plank" there is another part of the boat. That part is about 8" wide. It' where one could step with one foot while boarding the boat. Are these both part of the gunwhale? What's a proper or descriptive term for B? I've been calling it the "upper side deck" (as opposed to the decking on the bow or the decking on the stern). I know it seems like a silly question but.... Thanks, Gary |