Module 1 - Nautical Terms
What Are the Front and Back of a Boat Called? Bow, Stern, Fore and Aft
Quick answer
The bow is the front of a boat and the stern is the back. Fore means toward the bow; aft means toward the stern.
- Forward and fore both point toward the bow.
- Aft points toward the stern.
- Amidships means around the middle of the boat.
The front of a boat is the bow. The back of a boat is the stern. Anything towards the bow is described as forward or fore; anything towards the stern is aft. The midpoint of the vessel is amidships.
These terms are used constantly in Day Skipper theory, marina instructions, pilotage notes, and safety briefings. For example, a crew member asked to move forward should go towards the bow, while equipment stowed aft is towards the stern.
The bow typically has a pointed shape to cut through waves. On a yacht the deck area at the front is the foredeck. The stern may include the cockpit, bathing platform, boarding ladder, pushpit, or dinghy davits depending on the boat.
Key points
- Bow — the front of the vessel
- Stern — the back of the vessel
- Forward / Fore — towards the bow
- Aft — towards the stern
- Amidships — the middle of the vessel
Front of the boat
Common use: The bow points towards the vessel's heading
Back of the boat
Common use: The cockpit and boarding platform are often near the stern
Towards the bow
Common use: Move forward, foredeck, forestay
Towards the stern
Common use: Aft cabin, aft locker, move aft
Middle of the vessel
Common use: Often used for balance, stowage, or deck position
| Term | Meaning | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Bow | Front of the boat | The bow points towards the vessel's heading |
| Stern | Back of the boat | The cockpit and boarding platform are often near the stern |
| Forward / Fore | Towards the bow | Move forward, foredeck, forestay |
| Aft | Towards the stern | Aft cabin, aft locker, move aft |
| Amidships | Middle of the vessel | Often used for balance, stowage, or deck position |
Common mistakes
- Mixing up aft with after; in boat language, aft means toward the stern.
- Using left and right instead of port and starboard once aboard.
Quick practice check
Try a few questions before you move into the full module.
1. What are the front and back of a boat called?
2. If a crew member is asked to move aft, where should they move?
3. What does amidships mean?
Common questions
What is the front of a boat called?
The front of a boat is called the bow. Moving towards the bow is described as moving forward or fore.
What is the back of a boat called?
The back of a boat is called the stern. Anything towards the stern is described as aft.
Is fore the same as the front of a boat?
Fore means towards the front of a boat, or towards the bow. The bow is the actual front end of the vessel.
Is aft the same as the stern?
Aft means towards the back of the boat. The stern is the actual back end of the vessel.
What does fore and aft mean on a boat?
Fore means towards the front or bow of the boat. Aft means towards the back or stern of the boat.
Keep revising this topic
Last reviewed: 22 June 2026 by Day Skipper Revision
Start with the free terminology module
Nautical terms are free to study and make the rest of the Day Skipper syllabus easier to follow.