Ripping Stock for Gunwales

[enggass]

I am picking up some Ash to rip gunwales as well. 14' for my 13' canoe.
My question concerns the grain. Should the top of the board surface end up being the outer edge of the gunwale? Could someone please explain the best way to utilize the grain of the wood?
Also, what are common width and height dimensions of gunwales? More vertical? Horizontal? I would think square-ish would be easiest to work with for the purpose of flexibility in both dimensions.

 

[Dave Wermuth]

my .02

You can have any size you want, but 7/8" square is about right. Maybe smaller for your canoe. I put the edge grain up and the leaf (flat) grain to the side. This is what I've seen and I think it's stronger that way. I wonder what others do? Don't forget about the bevel, if any, depending on flair or tumbellhome.