Where Are Gunwales Located on a Boat?

If you've spent time around boats, you've likely heard the term "gunwale" (pronounced "gunnel"). It's a fundamental part of any vessel's structure, but its location and function aren't always obvious to newcomers.

Definition and Location

The gunwale is the upper edge of a boat's side, where the hull meets the deck. Running along the entire perimeter of the boat, it forms the top boundary of the hull and the transition point to the deck or interior.

Alternative Name: Freeboard

You may also hear it referred to as the freeboard—though technically, freeboard is the vertical distance from the waterline to the gunwale, not the structure itself.

Construction Materials

Gunwales are typically made from:

• Wood (traditional, especially on classic boats)
• Metal (aluminum, stainless steel on modern vessels)
• Plastic/Composite (common on smaller recreational boats)

Key Functions

The gunwale serves several critical purposes:

1. Structural Support: It ties the hull sides together, adding rigidity and preventing the boat from flexing or "oil-canning" in waves.
2. Water Exclusion: By forming a raised lip, it helps deflect spray and green water from entering the boat.
3. Handhold: It provides a secure grip for passengers and crew moving around the deck, especially in rough conditions.
4. Attachment Point: Cleats, stanchions, lifelines, and other deck hardware often mount to the gunwale.

Types of Gunwales

• Inwale: The inner edge, inside the hull.
• Outwale: The outer edge, often capped with a rubbing strake for protection against docks and other boats.
• Capping Rail: A finished cover over the joint between hull and deck.

Next time you're aboard, run your hand along that top edge—you're touching the gunwale, a simple but essential feature that's been part of boat design for centuries.