What's "topsides"?

milltech

milltech

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What\'s \"topsides\"?

I always thought "topsides" was a reference to the sides of the hull from the gunnel to the waterline, only I've just been reading a web that says "click here for topside pictures", and it's all on-deck stuff.

Can someone advise me?


<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by milltech on 29/02/2004 10:44 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
Re: What\'s \"topsides\"?

As I understand it both you and the web are correct.

Topsides, as a noun like "the topsides", as you used it is the side of the hull above the waterline.

Topside, as an adjective or adverb like "go topside", as the web used it means "on deck".

John

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Re: What\'s \"topsides\"?

Yep! In American "topsides" is on deck, but in English it means from the gunnell to the boot topping (or waterline if you don't have a bt).

Another example of two peoples divided by a common language!

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Re: What\'s \"topsides\"?

OK thanks, yes it was an American web site.


<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>
 
Re: What\'s \"topsides\"?

Just treated our selves to Sainsburies best roasting joint - I think I'll stick to pork - it was tough and tasteless!!!!!



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Re: What\'s \"topsides\"?

Maybe you need a different kind of joint so you don't care!

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>
 
Re: What\'s "topsides"?

If it came out of the beef barrel topside you might find it a bit salty.

Are the "Topsiders" shoes made by Sperry (assume they are EC approved so you can get them in UK /forums/images/icons/smile.gif) for walking on deck or do they allow walking fly wise up the side of the boat?

John

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Re: What\'s \"topsides\"?

Don't "Gunnels" refer to a Sally of that ilk. Surely the term is "gunwhales" - pronounced Gunnells

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Re: What\'s \"topsides\"?

That's why Sainsbury have not been able to set up in our part of Cornwall. We know a good joint when we see one and you will still find real butcher's shops here.

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Pidgin English

As one who has spent most of his life in merchant shipping in the Far East, may I confirm that your understanding of the word - the part of the ship's side between the upper surface of the boot topping and the weather deck - is wholly correct, but for the last 200 years the word "topside" has been used in China Coast Pidgin English to mean "The weather deck" as in this line from Arthur Ransome's "Secret Water":

"You! Big Fella! Strong Man - Belong topside plenty chop!"

Commander Walker had spent several years on the China Coast...

I personally have a recollection of a very distingushed, knighted, British shipowner who was and is always extremely careful to get things right addressing the gangway watchman on one of his ships:

"Me number one big chief - belong topside, plenty chop!"

to be greeted by the reply, from his mission school educated, Pacific Islander, able seaman

"Certainly, Sir ....., Captain ........ is expecting you, in his day cabin. Will you come this way?"

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?
 
Re: What\'s \"topsides\"?

I've always understood topsides to be from waterline to rail. For years I painted my topsides with topside enamel & my decks with deck paint, perhaps I've been doing it wrong it the wrong way round.
The Coastguard Safety Info forms CG 66 asks :~
Colour of hull above waterline, colour below waterline & colour of topsides, so that must be the new official speak.
Dan

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