Most boat terms make some sense, like Gunwales, Mast Step, Dagger board. I get these, but reading my NE Dory manual. Why would a rope attached to the bow be called a “painter”? I'm still debating if I am going to include this on my Dory. I think I might, it looks like a convenient way of adding a bow line without mounting cleats to the rails. Or should I say Gunwales!! If I call them Gunwales I am going to want to mount a small cannon on the bow!