The "ledge-top" gunwale is made from two parts: a laminated strip gunwale, glued and laminated in place on the top outside edge of the side panel, capped off with a 4" curved and horizontal "ledge" of 3/8" plywood. The gunwale assembly is rounded off at the edges and wrapped with glass. Laminated, ledge-top gunwales are light, but still as stiff as it gets. The ledge not only stiffens up the boat, it forms a convenient protective cover for side-mounted rod racks. This gunwale (it seems to me) would also make a convenient place to attach a removable deck, with attached and built-in lockers, for running big water.