Bow and Stern Shapes

---

The shape and stem of bow and stern affect wave formation, spray behaviour, and the available deck space. Over time several typical shapes have developed, used today partly for traditional and partly for practical reasons.

---

Bow Shapes

Plumb Stem

The plumb stem runs vertically from the keel to the deck. It produces a simple and stable hull form and was often used on working vessels in earlier times.

Clipper Stem

The clipper stem curves outward to the front and ends at the top with a slight curl. It gives the vessel a slim, fast-looking line and is typical of classic yachts.

Pram Stem

The pram stem is angled forward and ends at the waterline in a wide, almost box-shaped front. It is found mainly on barges and working boats since it offers a great deal of stowage.

Yacht Stem

The yacht stem is slightly raked forward and is considered the modern bow form of sporty sailing yachts. It offers a good compromise between cutting through waves and buoyancy.

---

Stern Shapes

Yacht Stern

With the yacht stern the boat tapers above the waterline towards the back and ends in a flat transom. It is the most widespread stern form on sailing boats today.

Canoe Stern

The canoe stern tapers like a canoe to the back, but only above the waterline. Below the waterline the hull stays fuller, which makes the boat sit calmly in the water.

Pointed Stern (Double-Ender)

With the pointed stern the hull tapers all the way to and above the waterline. This form is considered particularly seaworthy because following waves are split cleanly.

Flat Transom Stern

The flat transom stern ends vertically in a flat transom. It offers plenty of room in the cockpit and at the stern, and is today the most common form on modern cruising yachts.