Bow (watercraft)

Bow shapes vary according to the speed of the boat, the seas or waterways being navigated, and the vessel's function.

[3] Ideally, the bow should reduce the resistance and should be tall enough to prevent water from regularly washing over the top of it.

Large commercial barges on inland waterways rarely meet big waves and may have remarkably little freeboard at the bow, whereas fast military vessels operating offshore must be able to cope with heavy seas.

Traditionally, the stem was a timber (or metal) post into which side planks (or plates) were joined.

Some boats such as the Dutch barge "aak" or the clinker-built Viking longships have no straight stem, having instead a curved prow.