What is the gunwale?

On wooden vessels regardless if artillery was used, the gunwale remained.

The nautical term, gunwale, pronounced - gunnel, is the top edge of the side of
the vessel. Originally, this area was referred to as the gun ridge, on sailing
warships. To accommodate the weight of the guns and use of artillery, the gun ridge
was strengthened. The strengthening wale or structural band was added to the design
ships above the level of the gun deck. This area then became known as the gunwale,
and the term has remained ever since.

On wooden vessels regardless if artillery was used, the gunwale remained. On modern
ships, and vessels, the gunwale is the top edge of the side, generally as a form
of reinforcement. For canoes, the gunwale is the broaden edge at the topside, where
the edge has been reinforced with wood, plastic, or aluminum.

 

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