Shipbuilding terminology owes its etymology to various cultures, practices, industrial influences, applications, and other factors. The gunwale of a boat, pronounced “gunnel” and not “gun whale,” is a seemingly simple yet critical vessel component.
On a boat or a ship, the gunwale denotes the upper edge where the hull and deck converge.
This article delves into the gunwale’s multifaceted significance, considering its historical origins, contributions to structural integrity and safety, and...