The bow of a ship refers to the forward part of the hull, which is the part that usually leads the way as the vessel moves through the water. It is the opposite of the stern, which refers to the back end of the boat. The bow is designed to cut through the water as a vessel moves forward, and its shape varies according to the speed of the boat, the seas or waterways being navigated, and the vessels function). Ideally, the bow should reduce the resistance and should be tall enough to prevent water from regularly washing over the top of it). The bow may be reinforced to serve as an ice-breaker). The forward part of the bow is called the "stem" or "forestem").