Bow

The forward part of a vessel, designed to cut through the water and reduce resistance.

The bow of a vessel is its frontmost section, typically shaped to minimise drag and allow the boat to move efficiently through the water. It is a critical part of a vessel’s design, as its shape and structure influence the ship’s hydrodynamics, stability, and overall performance. The bow can take on various forms depending on the type of vessel and its intended use. For example, a sharp, narrow bow is often found on racing yachts or fast vessels, as it allows the boat to slice through the water with minimal resistance. On the other hand, a broader, more rounded bow might be seen on cargo ships or tankers, where stability and load-bearing capacity are prioritised over speed.

The bow also houses important equipment and features, such as the anchor, mooring lines, and sometimes navigation lights. In rough seas, the bow is designed to rise and fall with the waves, reducing the amount of water that splashes onto the deck. Some vessels are equipped with a “bulbous bow,” a protruding bulb below the waterline that improves fuel efficiency by altering the flow of water around the hull. The term “bow” is used universally across all types of watercraft, from small dinghies to large ocean liners, and it is a fundamental concept in marine navigation and vessel design.