The bow is the foremost point of the hull of a ship or boat: the point that is ahead when the vessel is underway. The adjectives fore/forward and aft mean towards the bow and stern, respectively.

The bow is generally the sharp end of the hull. It is designed to reduce the resistance of the hull cutting through water and should be tall enough to prevent water from easily washing over the top of the hull.

A "wet bow" results from seawater washing over the top of the hull. This water is corrosive, and aside from making the deck slippery can also adversely affect the metal of the deck; additionally, if the temperature is low enough this water can also freeze on the deck, rails, turrets, and other exposed surfaces.

In naval slang, 'bows' can also refer to the foremost guns of a ship.

Sailboat anatomy

Proa | Bug (Schiff) | pruo | Proa | Proue | חרטום (כלי שיט) | Baug | Dziób (statek wodny) | Prova