Glossary · Hull & structure
Inverted bow
Also called: Étrave inversée, étrave négative, reverse bow
A bow that slopes backwards from the waterline up to the deck, instead of forwards.
On an inverted bow, the furthest-forward point of the hull is at the waterline. Length in the water is maximised for a given hull length, which favours speed, and weight in the bow is reduced.
The shape is found on many recent racing boats and multihulls.
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No source yet · updated 30 Sept 2026