What is "gunwales"

Usage examples of "gunwales".

These floated aside, the broken ends drooping, the crew at the stern-wreck clinging to the gunwales, and striving to hold fast to the oars to lash them across.

He watched with sadness as even the saltwater spray coming over the gunwales had no effect upon the blood that had dried there.

The spray split in two, showering the gunwales, then roared abaft, and--they were in the thick of the fight.