Forepeak

The compartment at the extreme forward end of a vessel, inside the bow.

The forepeak lies ahead of the main accommodation or working spaces and is commonly used for stowage. On many small craft it contains the anchor chain or cable and may form, or provide access to, the chain locker.

Its exact arrangement varies with the vessel. Because it is low and far forward, water ingress, loose equipment and poor drainage in this space can affect safety and should be detected and dealt with promptly.