Pronunciation: [ɡˈʌnə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "gunnels" refers to the longitudinal upper edges of a boat or ship's sides. It is often misspelled as "gunwales," and the two words are often used interchangeably. The correct spelling is with a double "n" (gunnels). The phonetic transcription for "gunnels" is /ˈɡʌn əlz/. The stress is on the first syllable, with a short "u" sound. The second syllable has a schwa sound (ə) with a "z" at the end.
The term "gunnels" refers to the upper edges or sides of a boat or ship's hull that form a continuous rim along its perimeter. Also spelled as "gunwales," it originates from the Old English word "gunwale" which meant "gun ridge" or "gun ridge-pole."
Typically, gunnels are made of strong materials such as wood, metal, or fiberglass to provide structural support, stability, and protection to the vessel. They run parallel to each other longitudinally and extend horizontally from the bow (front) to the stern (rear) of the watercraft. Gunnels serve several purposes, including preventing water from spilling into the boat during rough conditions, enhancing buoyancy, and acting as mounting points for various accessories and equipment.
Gunnels also serve as a useful reference point for rowing or paddling activities, allowing individuals to position their oars or paddles correctly and efficiently. They can also be utilized as handholds for boarding, exiting, or moving around the vessel. Furthermore, gunnels may house cleats, ropes, or other components used for mooring or towing the boat.
In sailing terminology, the phrase "gunnel to gunnel" is often used to describe a boat that is heavily loaded or packed with cargo, passengers, or provisions. It implies that the vessel's sides are completely filled or occupied from one gunnel to the other, emphasizing its fullness or capacity.
In summary, gunnels are the upper edges or sides of a boat or ship's hull that provide structure, stability, protection, mounting points, and reference for various activities.
The word "gunnels" can have two different meanings, each with its own etymology:
1) Gunnels can refer to the upper edge of a ship's side, also known as the gunwale or gunnel. The etymology of this term is uncertain, but it dates back to Middle English and is derived from the Old English word "gǽnol", meaning "projecting edge" or "rim", which eventually evolved into "gunwale" or "gunnel" in English.
2) Gunnels can also refer to the fixed, horizontal planks on the inside of a boat's hull, often forming the lowest part of its sides. In this context, the word "gunnels" is actually a variation of "gunwales", stemming from the earlier Middle English term "gunwale" (spelled "günnel" or "gunnel" in some sources).
