French to English Tech/Engineering Ships, Sailing, Maritime Shipbuilding in the 17th

Okay... Just one more, now that Graham's explanation of ceiling vs. planking has turned part of my translation on its head!

The word "préceinte" is defined thus:
"Suite de planches extérieures appelées virures et formant le bordé, placée au-dessus de la ligne de flottaison, au niveau des ponts des batteries (canons), sous et au-dessus des sabords. Ce sont les virures les plus épaisses de la coque du navire."

Here is my translation (see how the terms interact; please don't hesitate to correct me on the strakes and wale thing):
"Series of outboard planks, called strakes, that form the wale, situated above the water line, at the level of the battery (cannon) deck, above and below the gun ports. These are the thickest planks of the ship's hull."

This may be an accurate translation - but what on earth is the term??

Thanks for your help!! I'm almost there!