Gunnel for Dummies

Gunnel is a word that people use to describe something that is found at the side of a boat or ship. You know when you're on a boat, and you're walking along the edges, and there's a horizontal surface there? Well, that's a gunnel! It's like a ledge or a rail that runs along the sides of a vessel, usually at the very top part. It acts as a barrier or a border, helping to keep things, like water or important stuff on the boat, from falling off into the deep blue sea.

Imagine you're on a pirate ship, sailing through rough waters. You don't want to accidentally slip and fall into the ocean, do you? That's where the gunnels come in handy! They provide a stable and secure place for you to walk and hold on to, ensuring that you stay safely on board. It's like having a fence or a guardrail on a high bridge to prevent you from falling off.

But guess what? The word "gunnel" doesn't only refer to the side of a boat! It also has another meaning. Sometimes, people use the word "gunnel" to describe a type of fish. These fish are small and usually found in shallow coastal waters. They have long, narrow bodies with sharp teeth and are known for their ability to camouflage themselves. Just like the gunnel on a boat, these fish like to stay close to the edges, hiding among the rocks or in the seagrass.

So, to sum it up, a gunnel can be the ledge or rail on the side of a boat that provides safety and stability, or it can be a type of fish that likes to hide near the edges of the water.