The gunwale on a boat (pronounced “gunnel”) is the upper edge of a boat’s hull, where the hull and deck meet. It runs along the length of the boat on both sides and serves as a structural element to provide strength and rigidity to the vessel’s hull.
The gunwale also serves as a convenient attachment point for various accessories such as cleats, fenders, and railing systems.
In addition to its structural function, the gunwale also provides a convenient handhold for passengers boarding or exiting the boat, and can also act as a barrier to prevent water from entering the cockpit or other areas of the boat during rough seas.
What is Boat Gunwale Made of?
Boat gunwales can be made from a variety of materials depending on the type of boat and its intended use. Here are some common materials used to make boat gunwales:
- Wood: Traditional wooden boats often have gunwales made of wood, such as teak or mahogany. These are strong and durable materials that also provide a classic, attractive appearance.
- Aluminum: Many modern boats have gunwales made of aluminum. This material is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal choice for boats that will be used in saltwater environments.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a popular material for gunwales in many types of boats. It is lightweight, strong, and can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes.
- PVC: Some smaller boats and inflatable boats have gunwales made of PVC. This material is lightweight, inexpensive, and can be easily inflated and deflated for storage and transport.
Overall, the material used to make a boat’s gunwale will depend on factors such as the boat’s size, intended use, and budget.
What is The Purpose of a Gunwale?
The gunwale serves several important purposes on a boat:
- Structural Support: The gunwale provides structural support and rigidity to the hull of the boat, helping to distribute the weight of the vessel and its contents evenly.
- Protection: The gunwale can act as a barrier to prevent water from entering the boat’s cockpit or other areas during rough seas.
- Attachment Point: The gunwale serves as a convenient attachment point for various accessories such as cleats, fenders, and railing systems.
- Handhold: The gunwale provides a convenient handhold for passengers boarding or exiting the boat, as well as for those moving around the deck.
- Aesthetics: The gunwale can also contribute to the overall appearance of the boat, and may be designed to match the boat’s style or color scheme.
Overall, the gunwale is an essential component of any boat, providing both practical and aesthetic benefits to the vessel.
Can Boat Passengers Ride on The Gunwale
No, boat passengers should not ride on the gunwale. The gunwale is a structural element of the boat and is designed to provide strength and rigidity to the hull and to serve as an attachment point for accessories such as cleats, fenders, and railing systems.
Riding on the gunwale can cause damage to the boat and may also be dangerous for passengers.
Riding on the gunwale can cause the boat to become unbalanced, which can lead to capsizing or other accidents. In addition, passengers riding on the gunwale are at risk of falling overboard, which can result in serious injury or even death.
All passengers need to remain seated and follow safety guidelines while on board a boat, including wearing appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs) and staying clear of the gunwale.
What’s The Difference Between Gunwale and Gunnel?
There is no difference between gunwale and gunnel; they are two different spellings of the same word and are pronounced the same way (“gunnel”).
The term “gunwale” is more commonly used in North America, while “gunnel” is more commonly used in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. Both spellings refer to the upper edge or rail of a boat’s hull, where the hull and deck meet, and serve the same purposes.
Regardless of the spelling used, the gunwale or gunnel is an important structural element of a boat that provides strength and rigidity to the hull, serves as an attachment point for accessories, and can act as a barrier to prevent water from entering the boat during rough seas.
Why is It Called Gunwale?
The word “gunwale” comes from the Old Norse words “gunner” meaning “battle” and “vǫllr” meaning “field” or “plain”. Originally, the gunwale referred to the raised deck that ran along the sides of a Viking longship, where warriors would stand during battles.
Over time, the word “gunwale” came to refer to the upper edge or rail of a boat’s hull, where the hull and deck meet, regardless of whether the boat was used in battle or not.
Another theory suggests that the term “gunwale” may have come from the Dutch word “gondola”, which means “gondola”.
The word “gondola” was used to describe the narrow, flat-bottomed boats used in Venice, which had a similar raised edge running along the sides of the boat. This term may have been Anglicized to “gunwale” over time.
Regardless of its origins, the term “gunwale” has been used to describe the upper edge or rail of a boat’s hull for hundreds of years and has become an established nautical term.
