Gunwales.jpg
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.