As the wales are framed of planks broader and thicker than the rest, they resemble ranges of hoops encircling the sides and bows. They are usually distinguished into the main-wale and the channel-wale; the breadth and thickness of which are expressed by Q and R in the Midship-frame, plate [VII]. and their length is exhibited in the Elevation, plate [I]. where L Q Z is the main-wale, and D R X the channel-wale, parallel to the former.
The situation of the wales, being ascertained by no invariable rule, is generally submitted to the fancy and judgment of the builder. The position of the gun-ports and scuppers ought, however, to be particularly considered on this occasion, that the wales may not be wounded by too many breaches.
WALL-SIDED, the figure of a ship’s side, when, instead of being incurvated so as to become gradually narrower towards the upper part, it is nearly perpendicular to the surface of the water, like a wall; and hence the derivation of the phrase.
WALT, an obsolete or spurious term signifying crank. See that article.
WARP, a small rope employed occasionally to remove a ship from one place to another, in a port, road, or river. And hence,
To Warp, remorquer, is to change the situation of a ship, by pulling her from one part of a harbour, &c. to some other, by means of warps, which are attached to buoys; to anchors sunk in the bottom; or to certain stations upon the shore, as posts, rings, trees, &c. The ship is accordingly drawn forwards to those stations, either by pulling on the warps by hand, or by the application of some purchase, as a tackle, windlass, or capstern, upon her deck. See those articles.
When this operation is performed by the ship’s lesser anchors, these machines, together with their warps, are carried out in the boats alternately towards the place where the ship is endeavouring to arrive: so that when she is drawn up close to one anchor, the other is carried out to a competent distance before her, and being sunk, serves to fix the other warp by which she is farther advanced.
Warping is generally used when the sails are unbent, or when they cannot be successfully employed, which may either arise from the unfavourable state of the wind, the opposition of the tide, or the narrow limits of the channel.
WASH. See the article Oar.
Wash-board, a broad thin plank fixed occasionally on the top of a boat’s side, so as to continue the height thereof, and be removed at pleasure. It is used to prevent the sea from breaking into the vessel, particularly when the surface is rough, as in tempestuous weather.