axe bow yacht

How do I Select the Right Hull?

Video: selecting the right hullform.

• 8200 Fluids
• 8210 Fluid Dynamics
• 8220 Resistance
• 8450 Fluid Loads
• 8600 Arrangements
• crew comfort
• Damen Shipyards
• pitch accelerations
• pitch motions
• reverse bow
• Rolls Royce
• ship keelline
• ship motions
• wave piercing
• wave resistance

Splitting Waves and Hairs: Comparing X-Bow, Axe Bow, and More

Axe bow, X-bow; slim size, thin size.  We currently enjoy an explosion of variety in bow shapes, each suited to a different task.  These may all look the same with a cursory glance, but don’t get fooled.  Nearly the same bow shape, used on a different vessel may work for entirely different reasons.  This time we distinguish between four prevalent bow shapes:  conventional hull, X-Bow, Axe Bow, and wave piercing.

1.0 What We Need in a Bow

How would you describe the perfect ship bow?  What does it accomplish?  First and foremost, the bow must provide smooth water flow to minimize resistance.  Next, we pack in several competing goals.

• Low resistance in calm water
• Minimum added resistance in waves
• Minimal accelerations as we plunge into waves (jerky motions)
• Minimum spray
• Minimum green water on deck
• Track with major wave crests

We categorize water on deck into two major types.  Spray involves light foamy water that is mostly air. (Figure 1‑1)  It looks big and may knock over crew on deck.  But it presents little danger to the ship structure.

The second type of spray, green water, may seriously threaten the ship.  Green water refers to a large wave completely swamping the deck; a wall of solid water punches into everything it can find.  This may tear loose any small equipment on the deck.  It also robs you of almost all forward speed.  Watch the video below and notice that after the wave hits, the ship’s motion nearly stops. (Figure 1‑2)  All that water adds a lot of weight on the deck of the ship, creating dangers to stability for some vessels.  Clearly, we design ships to survive this, but the forces and motions are so violent that we prefer to avoid green water events.

That violent motion also makes an unpleasant ride for the crew.  Repeatedly plunging into waves quickly fatigues the crew.  You get unhappy sailors who can’t do their jobs because they spend too much effort simply holding onto the ship.  Crew experience factors as a major part of bow design.

Unfortunately, crew experience doesn’t always win out.  These requirements for bow design contradict each other.  A bow with minimum resistance needs to be skinny, but that offers little reaction to oncoming waves.  Designers are often forced to pick priorities; priorities that may be dictated by the owners and not the crew.  Balancing these conflicting needs lead to several interesting approaches in bow design.

2.0 Conventional Bow

A conventional bow really gets designed in two parts:  under water and above water.  The underwater section often has a bulbous bow (for large freighters).  Above the water, we rake the stem forward and flare out the sides. (Figure 2‑1)

The conventional bow prioritizes all efforts to keep the main deck from submerging.  The flared sides direct spray away from the main deck.  And the increasing width creates a strong nonlinear reaction to water rising up the bow.  The farther the water rises, the harder the bow pushes up.  This nonlinear reaction also irritates sailors; it results in jerky pitch motions that fatigue everyone.  Table 2‑1 summarizes the pros and cons of this bow design.

The forward rake also achieves multiple goals.  The rake naturally tapers the bow to a point, meant to cut into the waves and brunt that initial shock of entry.  (The results usually fall short of original intentions.)  That rake also increases the moment arm of the bow.  As the bow submerges, the center of submerged volume pushes forward, increasing the resistance to ship pitch motions.  As a result, the ship often feels like it lands on a hard edge, rather than sinking into soft waves.  The conventional bow was designed to act as a hard brake to pitching motions.

The X-bow focuses on a smooth ride for the crew, and this design applies best to larger vessels.  Patented and developed by Ulstein [4], the X-bow features straight waterlines back to the shoulder of the bow. (Figure 3‑1)  The bow maintains this straight section shape all the way through several decks above the main deck.  (Figure 3‑2)  The waterlines show only modest amounts of gentle flare going up.

I found little scientific information readily available about this concept, but Ulstein’s marketing material claims this bow shape achieves an impeccable array of improvements.  I will restrict my summary to attributes proven in published papers or reasonably inferred from general naval architecture knowledge.

By shifting the main buoyant volume aft to the shoulders, the X-bow smooths out the entry of a wave against the bow.  The straight waterlines maintain a linear response to water rising up the bow, which avoids any jerky pitch motions that wear down crew.  The stem rakes aft, blending into a large curve that rises several decks.  This also smooths out the ride by trying to keep the pitch moment constant.

The X-bow moved the first exposed bow deck far above the waterline.  This increased separation allowed the designers new flexibility.  The bow was permitted to partially dive into waves, improving the overall ride performance.  Of course, it does create a few other design challenges.  Table 3‑1 summarizes the pros and cons of the X-bow.

A 2017 paper did show that the X-bow reduced the ship resistance for certain types of hulls.  The study demonstrated reduced wave making resistance for container ship hulls and destroyer hulls. [7]  But these were based on a single CFD comparison to standard reference models, which is not sufficient to generalize for all vessels.

I generally like the X-bow, but I personally see one major limitation.  Personally, I would only recommend this for large vessels.  Based on the motions shown in Figure 3‑3, I see that the X-bow depends on the large inertia of the vessel to help delay pitch motions (i.e. big things are slower to start moving).  By the time the bow truly pitches down into the water, the wave already passed.  Plus, with a large design, the X-bow extends at least three decks above the main deck.  That clearance of 7-8 meters is critical to protect the bridge from excessive spray.  Personally, I think the X-bow has many uses, but I would hesitate before applying it to smaller vessels.

4.0 Axe Bow

The Axe Bow also prioritizes a smoother ride for the crew, but with applications to smaller vessels.  Developed by Damen Shipyards [9], the Axe Bow features a plumb stem with long, fine lines for the entrance.  With this design, the keel actually drops down towards the bow, resulting in an axe shaped profile. (Figure 4‑1)  Hence the name Axe Bow.

Axe Bow employs straight vertical sides to create a linear resistance to waves, resulting in smooth pitching motions.  But the Axe Bow does not extend for multiple decks.  Instead, the secret lies in the weight distribution.

The Axe Bow evolved from a previous study of an enlarged ship concept, conducted at Delft University. [10]  This study lengthened the bow of the ship, but without increasing powering or outfit .  Essentially, the lengthened bow section was empty space. (Figure 4‑2)  This study showed improvements to efficiency and reductions in pitch accelerations. [10]  Longer bows that remained empty showed major potential for improved designs.

The weight distribution was key to this enlarged bow.  With all the weight focused near the aft end, this long bow presented a huge moment arm.  Even with a thin bow, the long length made the vessel gradually rise to match the wave slope long before the bulk of the vessel weight reaches the wave.  Damen took this concept and expanded with a few more features to yield the Axe Bow.  Table 4‑1 compares the relative merits of this design.

The mystery of the keel warrants further explanation.  The Axe Bow also applies to planing vessel, and one of the largest dangers to planing vessels is slamming.  When a section of hull becomes airborne and collides with the water on reentry, it feels like hitting a concrete wall.  That impact poses a serious structural hurdle to high speed vessels.  Damen dropped the keel line to prevent the bow section from initially leaving the water.  No exit from the water; no reentry with slamming; no problem.

5.0 Wave Piercing Bow

Unlike all previous concepts, the wave piercing bow completely abandons any attempt to keep the main deck dry.  You see wave piercing bows on skinny monohulls that are more submarine than surface ship, or on large multihulls where the cross deck sits far above the main hulls.  The wave piercing hull focuses on maintaining forward speed in waves.

Many people assume a wave piercing hull anytime they see a bow with a reverse rake or skinny width.  Myself, I categorize wave piercing hulls by the teardrop shape of their cross section. (Figure 5‑1)  They still must be narrow for this to work though.  The hull plunges directly into a wave, and it generates little pitching motion.  Without severe pitching motion, the hull doesn’t try to flip up over the waves.  Without pitching, the hull can maintain course and speed, powering straight under the waves.

The magic of a wave piercer lies in the shape of the cross section.  Due to the slope on the top of the hulls, as the wave passes along the bow, it drives the hull downwards.  This driving force counterbalances the natural buoyancy of the now submerged hull.  Ideally, the hydrodynamic forces and hydrostatic forces balance out to net almost no pitching moment.  (Figure 5‑2)

Wave piercing bows do nothing to shed spray or green water.  Indeed, they encourage green water on deck.  The deck must be designed more like a submarine than a ship.  This reduces pitching motions, but not pitching accelerations.  The wide underside of the bow frequently encounters wave slamming.  The long bow length also presents challenges with bow quartering waves.  Table 5‑1 summarizes the major pros and cons of a wave piercing bow.

6.0 Conclusion

These four bow types may look similar, but the subtle differences optimized them for vastly different applications.  Broadly speaking, I would categorize them with the following applications:

• Conventional bow: Good cargo capacity.  Optimized for minimum calm water resistance.  Ideal for large vessels in moderate seas.
• X-Bow: Optimized for crew comfort in large waves.  Works best on large vessels in heavy seas.
• Axe Bow: Targeted for crew comfort in medium to large waves.  Works best on small to medium vessels.
• Wave piercing bow: Optimized for minimum resistance in waves.

Each bow type has its own specialty.  These guidelines provide a basic framework to categorize the various bows available and compare their relative merits.  The universal perfect bow will never exist.  Instead, identify your own needs and select the one bow that’s perfect for you.

7.0 References

Related posts

Figure 3-1: Icebreaker Healy [4]

Surviving the Arctic: Polar Class Icebreakers

Figure 2-1: Icebreaker Mackinaw in Sea Ice [3]

Ramming the Ice: Icebreaker Propulsion

How to Design a Ship

Ever Given: What We Don’t Know

What is a Bow of a Boat? Types of Bow Designs

We will discuss a very important part of a ship or a boat – Bow .

Ships and boats face immense resistance on the water for the simple fact that compared to air, water produces more drag when moved through.

Hence the ships need to be designed in such a manner that the resistance is kept to the minimum. While conceptualizing a ship, the bow designs are the main factors.

While ships that are slender and curvier have less Wave Making Resistance while on the other hand, for the fuller ships the components of Wave Breaking Resistance are a more important factor.

What is the Bow of a Boat?

The bow is the name for the forward ends of the hull on boats and ships. It is the opposite end from the stern. The bow is that part of the ship that comes in contact with the water first and can be designed in a manner to control how the waves interact with the ship.

Where is the Bow of a Boat?

The bow is located in the front of a boat or ship. The bow of a boat usually has a pointed shape extending out of the water to cut through waves. This is designed to reduce drag and allow smoother movement through the water.

Types of Bow Designs

Though new designs seem to be dropping in every now and then, they seem to have reached a saturation point as most of them seem to be improvements made on old designs. With all that kept aside, here are some bow design types:

• The bulbous bow
• A normal bow without a bulb
• Other special bows

What we today call a normal bow has evolved from what was previously a vertical bow . Rake may be defined as the angle the ship’s stem makes with the waterline. This bow has the maximum waterline length of all.

A straight-edged vertical bow that is perpendicular to the waters is known as a plumb bow . If we don’t include an X-bow or Inverted bow, they happened to have the maximum waterline. This is what enables it to attain greater hull speed.

Pic courtesy: http://www.setzerdesign.com/new-concepts/plumb-bow-superyachts

Raked bow designs can be said to be the most commonly used bow. It is also the most popularly used. The line of the bow is flat. It does not have any curves. The acute angle has to be less than 45 degrees. This enables the forward waterline position to allow more accommodations and especially a larger forward stateroom V-berth.

Clipper Bow

Clipper bow designs are some of the most traditional types of bow designs. The angle at which a ship’s hull plate or planking departs from the vertical in an outward direction with increasing height is known as a flare. They are used in conjunction with rakes.

Apart from easing the pitch motions flaring keeps water off the decks. Sometimes the rake is set up in such a manner that it protects the submerged portion during the collision by taking the impact first. This is known as the ‘crumple zone’.

In general, these types are called clippers . The way the rake is set up here increases the center of buoyancy as well as the stability of the ship. This, in turn, increases the GM which is an important factor for the ship’s stability.

Read more: What is a clipper ship?

A spoon bow is a kind of bow design that convexes to the deck. It is called so because of its spoon-like appearance. This curve near the waterline is the most gradual. Such bow designs produce wave-making resistance due to the curvature at their cross-section.

Bulbous Bow

In bulbous bows, there is a protruding bulb at the bow just below the waterline. Here the water flows around the hull such that it reduces drag and increased fuel efficiency (up to 12% to 15% more than those ships that don’t have a bulbous bow), speed, range, and most importantly stability.

A bulbous bow increases the buoyancy of the front part and thereby decreases some of the up and down motion of the ship.

They are especially effective when the waterline length is longer than 15 meters and when the vessel is supposed to operate at its maximum speed most of the time. Such conditions are usually met by naval vessels, cargo ships, passenger ships, tankers, and supertaskers.

A bulbous bow would be detrimental to efficiency if used on smaller watercraft and thereby never used on powerboats, sailing boats , yachts, and other recreational boats.

The bulbous bow does its job by producing what is called the bow wave . The bulb forces the water up forming a trough and when added to a conventional bow in the right manner cancels out the wave produced by it, hence reducing the vessel’s wake.

A bulbous bow is popular in seagoing cargo ships and vessels that are larger in size.

Also read: What is a Hydrofoil Boat?

Parabolic and Cylindrical Bows

Compared to the straight sharp bow section ship designers sometimes tend to design blunt stems, thereby creating a parabolic shape. They are sometimes using in addition to bulbs to tackle the Wave Breaking Resistance. These bow designs are popular in bulk carriers of a fuller build.

Parabolic bows have a close resemblance to cylindrical ship bows since they are also designed keeping a bigger form factor in mind. They have the ability to absolutely minimize the Wave Making Resistance if proper care is taken while designing them. They are ideal for ships in fully loaded conditions.

So, what is the job of an axe? To cut trees, right? The axe bow used in ships has a similar task too, that is cutting through the water. The long deep and narrow fore portion of the hull resembles an axe. The design includes a vertical stem line.

This shape allows the ship to easily pass through the waves and keeps the up and down motion of the ship to the minimum when compared to a normal bow. The lower portion of the fore-end of the hull is known as the forefoot. It remains submerged in the water and thus less open to slamming.

This has its disadvantages as well because a ship with an axe bow requires more power from the rudder while maneuvering.

Inverted Bow

An inverted bow, often known as a reverse bow is referred to those in which the most extended point is not the top, but rather the bottom. They maximize the waterline, thereby resulting in tremendous hull speed and better hydrodynamic drag when compared to normal bows. To achieve that they sacrifice buoyancy and tend to dive under the waves instead of going above.

Just like the axe bow designs the pitching (up and down motion) and slamming are much reduced resulting in a much more enjoyable journey for the crew. They are quite operable in the medium tide and are easily maneuverable.

They are fuel-efficient too. Another positive aspect of the bow is that it doubles up like a deck and can accommodate the personnel.

Previously they were popular on battleships and large cruisers. But they became unpopular when newer designs came about. This was because they were not good at tackling high waves and became wet at high speed.

However, they have re-entered the market with all glory and are used nowadays mostly in AHTS (Anchor Handling Tug Supply) vessels, Seismic Vessels, Offshore and Pipelay Vessels, drillships, etc.

A ram bow is more of an extension that is built underwater below the hull of a ship. It is a kind of weapon which is used to pierce the hull of an enemy ship. It is not used much in today’s time but it was quite popular a few decades ago.

As we came to know earlier almost all possible combinations of bow designs have been attempted and so any bow that you come across must either be present in this list or would be the combination of the ones present here.

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What is the name of a measurement from the bow of the boat to the waterline.

I’d call it overhang

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Bow of a Ship: Essential Parts and Functions Explained

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 plays a crucial role in reducing the resistance of the hull as it cuts through the water while also ensuring that water does not easily wash over the deck. There are different types of bow designs, each with its advantages and features that cater to various ship functions and sizes.

While the design of a ship's bow might seem straightforward, there's actually a lot of science and engineering involved in its formation. The shape of the bow can have a significant impact on the ship's fuel consumption, navigational capabilities, stability, and even the overall performance in different weather conditions. As a result, shipbuilders and naval architects pay close attention to the bow design in order to optimize the vessel's performance and ensure safe and efficient operations at sea.

Key Takeaways

• The bow is the forward part of a ship's hull, crucial for reducing water resistance and preventing water from washing over the deck.
• Various bow designs cater to different ship functions, sizes, and navigational requirements.
• The science and engineering behind bow design are essential for optimizing a ship's performance, stability, and fuel efficiency.

Part of a Ship: The Bow

The bow is the forward part of a ship's hull, designed to cut through the water as a vessel moves forward. Being the most forward point of a ship when it is underway, the bow plays a crucial role in reducing resistance and ensuring smooth navigation. In addition, a ship's bow has to maintain sufficient height to prevent water from splashing on top of the vessel easily 1 .

One common feature seen in modern ships is the bulbous bow, a protruding bulb at the bow below the waterline 2 . This unique design alteration significantly enhances the ship's performance by modifying the way water flows around the hull. The benefits of a bulbous bow include reduced drag, increased speed, improved fuel efficiency, and better overall stability.

Apart from the bow's functional aspects, it also serves as an aesthetic feature. Ships often have different bow types, with each design catering to various purposes and operational requirements. Some common types of bows include the flare, clipper, raked, plumb, and inverted bows, among others. Each bow type offers specific advantages, such as increased water displacement or improved hydrodynamic properties.

In conclusion, the bow is an essential part of a ship, playing both an aesthetic and functional role. Being the foremost part of the vessel, it is designed to minimize drag and resistance while maintaining adequate height to keep water from easily washing over the ship. With advancements in ship design, features like the bulbous bow have further improved overall vessel performance, contributing to increased speed, range, and fuel efficiency.

Types of Ship Bows

Ship bows are designed to optimize the vessel's performance for various tasks, keeping in mind factors like speed, stability, and maneuverability. There are several types of bows utilized in modern ship design, each with distinct characteristics.

The bulbous bow is a popular design that features a bulb-like protrusion at the waterline, which helps reduce wave resistance. This innovation improves fuel efficiency and increases the vessel's cruising range, particularly at high speeds and in fully loaded conditions.

Another notable design is the inverted bow , also known as the axe bow . This design is characterized by a backward-slanting stem and is primarily used for high-speed vessels. The shape of the inverted bow reduces water resistance, enhances stability, and provides better control, especially in rough sea conditions.

The raked bow is a classic design featuring a forward-slanting stem, also known as the rake. This design provides increased buoyancy, which is essential for maintaining the ship's stability in rough seas. Raked bows were historically used in sailing ships and are still employed in modern vessels where they serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Plumb bows are characterized by a vertical stem, which results in a straight-edged appearance. Plumb bows are mainly used for slow-moving vessels as they offer more cargo space. However, their straight-edge design generates a considerable amount of drag, making them less suitable for high-speed ships.

The spoon bow is a gentle, curving design that smoothly transitions from the stem to the waterline. This elegant shape offers reduced wave resistance and increased stability, making it a popular choice for luxury yachts and passenger ships.

In addition to these, there are several specialized bow designs, such as the parabolic bow and cylindrical bow . These models are tailored for specific purposes, focusing on attributes like stability and fuel efficiency. For example, the parabolic bow is designed to minimize the ship's wave-making resistance, making it highly efficient for higher speeds.

The X-bow is another innovative design that boasts improved fuel efficiency and stability in rough sea conditions. This design is characterized by a steep, sloping stem that extends above the vessel's foredeck, allowing waves to flow smoothly over the bow, minimizing the impact of slamming.

The clipper bow , a historical favorite among sailing ships, is a slender, raked bow with a forward-curving tip. This elegant design prioritizes speed and agility, making it a superb choice for fast sailing vessels.

In conclusion, the diversity of ship bow designs showcases the unique requirements of different types of ships. From the efficiency-focused bulbous bow to the graceful lines of the clipper bow, each design has its merits and challenges, and sailors across the world rely on them to navigate the vast oceans safely.

The Science Behind Bow Design

The design of a ship's bow is an essential aspect of maritime engineering, as it directly affects the vessel's performance, efficiency, and safety. Bows are the forward part of a ship's hull, where the stem meets the waterline, and play a significant role in reducing resistance and ensuring buoyancy when the ship is in motion.

One of the primary goals of bow design is to minimize the ship's wave-making resistance. When a ship moves through water, it creates waves at the bow, which increases energy loss and reduces efficiency. An efficient bow design helps to decrease pitching and slamming effects while maintaining a stable freeboard that ensures smooth sailing, even in rough seas.

Bulbous bows consist of a protruding bulb at the bow's stem, designed to enhance the ship's hull speed and reduce wave-making resistance by 12-15% . The bulbous bow works by creating a trough that reduces the wave generated by the bow's edge, leading to less energy lost to the water. These designs are most effective at the ship's normal cruising speed, with little effect at lower speeds.

Parabolic and cylindrical bows, along with axe bows, are other types of bow designs developed to optimize hydrodynamic parameters for a ship. Parabolic bows have a curvature that helps maintain the ship's stability and reduce wave-making resistance. Cylindrical bows have a vertical forward face that promotes smooth water flow, whereas axe bows have sharp angles that offer increased speed and fuel efficiency in certain conditions as mentioned here .

The dimensions of a bow design are critical, as they impact both wave-breaking resistance and wave-making resistance, directly affecting the ship's performance. Designers must strike a balance between the vessel's size, weight, and functionality, considering factors such as the ship's purpose, area of operation, and desired efficiency.

In conclusion, the science behind bow design plays a crucial role in the performance and efficiency of a ship. By optimizing factors such as resistance, buoyancy, flare, and freeboard, various bow designs cater to specific needs within the maritime industry. Engineers and naval architects continually strive to develop new and innovative designs that push the boundaries of technology and performance.

The Role of Bow in Ship Navigation

The bow of a ship plays a crucial role in navigation, as it is the forward-most part of the vessel which comes into contact with the water. The bow's streamlined shape is designed to minimize resistance when cutting through waves, efficiently reducing drag and enhancing fuel efficiency.

A ship's bow is also instrumental in managing a vessel's transit through rough water. The design of the bow allows it to intersect waves effectively, mitigating the resistance components and ensuring a smoother ride. There are different types of bows optimized for specific ship categories, ensuring improved performance in speed, stability, or comfort, depending on the requirement.

The prow is another term used to describe the forward-most part of the bow, specialized to perform optimally in varying conditions. Bows with flared designs help a ship deal with large waves, directing them outwards and minimizing the impact of seawater on the vessel's hull. Flared bows are particularly advantageous in large cruise ships and naval vessels that encounter rough seas.

The bow section also houses essential navigation aids, such as navigation lights that facilitate visibility during nighttime or poor weather conditions. These lights help other vessels to discern ships' direction and orientation, promoting safe navigation and collision avoidance.

In addition to its hydrodynamic functions, the bow of a ship is often equipped with a bow thruster, designed to assist in maneuvering the vessel. Bow thrusters are fitted in ships with high LOA (Length Overall) and GRT (Gross Register Tonnage), using lateral propulsion to enable more precise control in tight spaces or in adverse environmental conditions.

Lastly, it is pertinent to mention that the ship's rudder, although not located at the bow, plays a vital role in conjunction with the bow during navigation. The rudder allows a ship to steer by changing the flow of water around the vessel's hull, controlling its direction.

In summary, the bow is an indispensable component of ship navigation and its design has a tremendous impact on hydrodynamic efficiency, effective wave handling, and overall safety. It also serves as a platform for essential equipment and aids contributing to successful transit and maneuvering.

Structural Aspects of Bow

The bow is the forward-most part of a ship that slices through the water as the vessel moves. It is designed with specific dimensions and shape to counteract incoming waves, reducing overall resistance and the power needed to propel the vessel forward 1 . In addition, the bow plays a critical role in the seaworthiness of a ship and affects its buoyancy and stability.

The hull is the main body of the ship where the bow is located. It is constructed of several components, including the keel, girders, and bulkheads, that provide structural integrity and strength to the vessel. The keel is considered the backbone of the ship. It runs from the bow to the stern, and its primary function is to provide stability, strength, and support to the overall structure of the ship [^4^].

The waterline length of a vessel is the length of the boat at its designed waterline, the level where water meets the ship's hull. It is a crucial parameter for defining the hydrodynamic aspects of a ship, including buoyancy, stability, and wetted surface resistance. This measurement is essential for determining the ship's performance and seaworthiness.

The bow's shape and dimensions depend on the type of ship and its function. Some commonly used bow shapes include flared, raked, and inverted bows each, designed for specific performance factors such as enhancing the vessel's speed, reducing spray, or increasing buoyancy 2 .

On either side of the bow, you will find the port and starboard sides, which refer to the left and right side of the vessel, respectively. This distinction is crucial for navigation and communication purposes during a voyage.

The mast, located near the bow on some vessels, is responsible for supporting the sails, rigging, and communication equipment. It plays a significant role in maintaining the ship's forward motion when propelled by wind power.

Lastly, the propeller, situated at the vessel's stern, is responsible for converting the engine's rotational power into thrust, propelling the ship forward. Its efficiency is affected by the bow's design, as the shape of the bow dictates how water flows towards the stern and propeller. This highlights the importance of an optimally designed bow for achieving overall efficiency in a ship's movement.

In conclusion, understanding the structural aspects of the bow in relation to other critical components of a ship is important for achieving the optimal vessel performance. A well-designed bow contributes significantly to the efficiency, stability, and overall performance of a ship, making it an essential aspect of naval architecture.

Bow and Shipbuilding Industry

The bow is the forward part of a ship's hull and plays a significant role in the shipbuilding industry, given its importance in a vessel's performance and aesthetics. The design of the bow affects the resistance a vessel faces while moving through water, thereby impacting the vessel's speed and efficiency. Several factors influence the choice of bow design, including the type of vessel, its intended purpose, and industry trends.

Shipbuilding encompasses a wide variety of vessels, ranging from large commercial ships like tankers to smaller leisure crafts such as yachts. The bow designs for these ships vary significantly in order to meet the operational requirements of different vessel types. In the tanker industry, for example, bulbous bows are widely used to reduce the hydrodynamic resistance and improve fuel efficiency. On the other hand, yachts are often designed with raked or clipper bows being aesthetically appealing and suitable for their purpose.

Advancements in technology and machinery have led to the development of innovative bow designs that can address emerging challenges in the shipbuilding industry. For instance, the Axe bow is a wave-piercing design which features a hull with a vertical stem, resulting in a longer and narrower entry. This design has been proven effective in various ship types such as offshore supply vessels, reducing pitching and slamming motions in rough seas.

The choice of bow design is also influenced by the expertise of the ship's master, who must evaluate the vessel's performance based on various factors, including its ability to cut through waves, stability, and fuel consumption. A well-designed bow will not only improve the vessel's performance but also contribute to a safer and more comfortable journey for crew and passengers.

In conclusion, the bow plays a crucial role in the shipbuilding industry, with its design being a major aspect determining a vessel's performance and aesthetics. As the industry continues to evolve and develop, new designs and technologies will be introduced to enhance the capabilities of various types of vessels. Mastering the intricacies of bow design is essential for shipbuilders and masters alike to ensure optimal vessel performance and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing world.

Bow Design Impact on Different Types of Ships

The bow is a prominent structure at the front of a ship, designed to navigate through water efficiently and withstand various forces encountered at sea. Bow designs can significantly impact different types of ships, such as yachts, tankers, and other watercraft. This section will discuss how various bow designs affect these vessels.

Bulbous bows are common on large ships like tankers, cargo ships, and cruise ships. The bulbous protrusion at the waterline reduces drag and improves the hydrodynamic efficiency of the ship, allowing it to travel at higher speeds with less fuel consumption. For tankers specifically, this design reduces their operating costs and makes them more environmentally friendly by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast to the bulbous bow, the axe bow is a wave-piercing design, developed by the Dutch shipbuilding group Damen. This design has been widely adopted by yachts and offshore supply ships, as it is characterized by a sharp, narrow shape that cuts through waves instead of riding over them. The axe bow enables the vessel to maintain higher speeds in rough conditions, improving comfort and safety for those on board.

Clipper bows are another design often found on yachts, as well as traditional sailing vessels. Their upward curvature offers additional buoyancy, helping the ship ride over waves and preventing plunging – the tendency to submerge the bow under the surface of the water. This design is suited for long-distance sailing, as it provides stability and comfort for the crew.

The spoon bow, on the other hand, is designed with a curved shape that smoothly transitions from hull to bow, reducing the disturbance of water flow around the ship. This design is popular for its aesthetic appeal and is prevalent in pleasure crafts and smaller watercraft. While this shape may not provide the same stability as the clipper or axe bows in rough conditions, it offers a combination of aesthetics and practicality for the users.

Lastly, parabolic bows, used in some modern tankers, have a parabolic profile that improves hydrodynamics. With similar characteristics to cylindrical hulls, this bow design can effectively decrease wave resistance, improve sea-keeping, and increase vessel efficiency when combined with a bulb.

In conclusion, bow designs play a crucial role in determining the performance, efficiency, and safety of various types of ships, including yachts, tankers, and watercraft. From bulbous bows for large vessels to clipper and axe bows for yachts, each design delivers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages, depending on the ship's purpose and operating conditions.

Historical and Modern Significance of Bow

The bow, which is the forward part of a ship's hull, has played a crucial role in the history of maritime technology and design. In ancient times, the bow's primary purpose was to navigate through water efficiently and withstand various forces encountered at sea. One prominent historical feature of the bow is the figurehead , a carved decorative piece typically representing a person, animal, or mythical creature. Figureheads were not only decorative elements but also served as symbols of power, protection, and prestige for the ship and its crew [1] .

In the past, different types of bows were designed for specific purposes. For example, during the Victorian era, the ram bow emerged as an offensive weapon, while bluff bows were common on wooden sailing vessels [2] . As maritime technology advanced, the design of bows evolved to adapt to new challenges and improve ship performance.

In the 20th century, the bulbous bow emerged as a highly effective performance enhancer. This type of bow, characterized by its protruding bulb shape, is now commonly found on modern cruise ships, container ships, LNG carriers, and research vessels. The bulbous bow not only improves hydrodynamic efficiency but also reduces fuel consumption and enhances overall sailing performance [3] .

Today, the bow of a ship continues to be an essential part of its design, combining both form and function. Engineers and naval architects carefully consider the specific requirements of each vessel in designing the bow to suit its intended use. As a result, modern bows can be seen in various shapes and sizes, tailored to each ship's purpose and operating environment.

In conclusion, the bow's historical and modern significance lies in its essential role in navigation, efficiency, and performance at sea. From figureheads to bulbous designs, the evolution of the bow reflects a continual pursuit of improvement in the maritime industry. With ongoing advancements in technology and new challenges in the world of shipping, the bow will undoubtedly continue to be at the forefront of future marine engineering and design innovations.

Bow in Different Conditions

In various conditions, especially when a ship is fully loaded, the bow design plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficiency. A well-designed bow allows the vessel to cut through the waves, reducing water resistance and resulting in a smoother journey. Different bow designs are tailored for specific situations, both domestic and international.

In fully loaded conditions , the bow's design must account for higher resistance against the water, especially in larger vessels. For instance, the bulbous bow is a common design on large cargo ships and tankers. This type of bow features a protruding bulb below the waterline, which creates a favorable pressure wave ahead of the ship, consequently reducing the drag and enhancing energy efficiency.

Ships navigating in areas with continuous slopes or rough seas require a bow design that can handle the unpredictable wave impacts. The axe bow is a suitable choice in such conditions, with its slender, elongated form allowing the ship to maintain speed and stability while minimizing the slamming effect caused by large waves.

In domestic shipping, vessels are designed to cater to coastal and short-distance routes. These ships may favor a raked bow , which is shaped with a backward leaning angle. This design offers more buoyancy when the ship encounters waves, providing a comfortable journey for passengers and ensuring the safety of the cargo.

International shipping, on the other hand, involves navigating longer distances and diverse water conditions. Vessels engaged in international routes often utilize a more advanced bow design, such as the inverted bow . This innovative design offers improved seakeeping in rough seas, increased speed, and reduced fuel consumption, making it an ideal choice for performing in various sea states and regions.

In summary, the bow design greatly impacts a ship's performance, safety, and efficiency in different conditions. Selecting an appropriate bow design tailored to the vessel's purpose, operating environment, and specific conditions, such as fully loaded scenarios, slopes, and both domestic and international routes, is vital for optimal performance.

Miscellaneous Components Related to Bow

The bow of a ship plays a crucial role in its overall performance and design. It navigates through water, providing stability and reducing resistance. Besides its shape and design, several other components are related to a ship's bow. In this section, we will discuss some of these components, specifically focusing on the anchor and accommodation areas.

The anchor is an essential part of a ship, responsible for holding it in place when stationary, especially in ports or at sea during unfavorable conditions. Anchors are typically located at the bow, allowing the ship to face the wind or current and maintain stability. Various types of anchors are used, depending on ship size and type, and the conditions under which they operate. Some common types of anchors include the stockless anchor, Danforth anchor, and grapnel anchor.

Another vital aspect related to the bow of a ship is the accommodation area . The accommodation refers to the living quarters for the crew, including cabins, mess rooms, and recreation spaces. This area is generally situated towards the stern or middle of the ship, but in some cases, it may extend towards the bow, especially on smaller vessels or specialized ships, such as research vessels. The accommodation area design also considers safety, providing crew members with an escape route to the bow in case of emergencies, minimizing the risk of encountering hazards such as fires or heavy smoke. Ensuring safety, comfort, and convenience for the crew is crucial in designing and maintaining ship accommodation areas.

In summary, the bow's design and shape contribute significantly to a ship's performance. Various components interact with the bow, such as the anchor and accommodation areas, ensuring secure anchorage and a safe and comfortable living space for the crew. Attention should be given to these components to maintain overall quality and safety standards in maritime operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a bulbous bow.

A bulbous bow is a protruding structure at the forward-most part of a ship's hull, designed to improve its hydrodynamic performance by reducing resistance. This innovative bow configuration allows ships to move more efficiently through water, which in turn leads to fuel savings and a reduction in environmental impact. The bulbous bow has proven to be particularly beneficial for larger vessels such as cargo ships and cruise liners.

How does the shape of a ship's bow affect its performance?

The shape of a ship's bow plays a vital role in its overall performance, including speed, stability, and maneuverability. Different bow designs are engineered to optimize specific aspects of a ship's performance, such as reducing drag, cutting through waves efficiently, or providing added stability in rough seas. Ultimately, the choice of bow shape depends on the vessel's intended function and the conditions it is expected to encounter.

What is the difference between the bow and the stern?

The bow refers to the forward part of a ship's hull, while the stern is the aft or rear end of the hull. These two terms are used to describe the orientation of various components and systems on board. The bow typically features a more streamlined and pointed shape to facilitate efficient movement through water, while the stern is often broader and flatter, designed to accommodate propulsion systems and other essential equipment. You can find more information about these terms in this Wikipedia article .

Why is the bow important for ship stability?

A well-designed bow contributes to a ship's overall stability by influencing its motion through water. An optimized bow shape allows the vessel to cut through waves with minimal resistance, enhancing both speed and stability. Furthermore, some advanced bow configurations, like the bulbous bow, can even help to dampen the ship's pitching motion in rough seas, making for a more comfortable and stable experience for those on board. Here's an article that explores different parts of a ship and their importance in stability.

What are the materials commonly used for ship bows?

Materials for ship bows are chosen based on factors such as strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Commonly used materials include steel (particularly for larger ships), aluminum (for lighter weight and high-speed vessels), and fiberglass (for smaller recreational boats). Modern composite materials, such as carbon fiber, are also becoming more popular in the marine industry due to their strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to harsh environments.

How has bow design evolved over time?

Bow design has come a long way, from the early vertical or plumb bows to the more modern inverted, bulbous, and axe bows. The evolution of these designs has been driven by a desire for increased efficiency, speed, and stability in varying sea conditions. Additionally, new materials and construction techniques have allowed for the creation of more advanced, lightweight, and durable bows. For a detailed examination of different bow designs and their evolution over time, you can refer to this insightful article from Marine Insight.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_(watercraft) ↩ ↩ 2
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbous_bow ↩ ↩ 2

Q&A With Ship Buiders

Charlie: Good afternoon, Art. Thanks for joining me today to talk about your latest ship designs at Heavy Duty Industries.

Art: Hi Charlie, it's great to be here. Thanks for having me.

Charlie: Let's dive right in. Your company has recently launched a new boat called the Ocean Sprinter, and it features an innovative bow design. Can you describe the shape of the bow?

Art: Absolutely. The Ocean Sprinter has a plumb bow, which means it has a more vertical bow than traditional ships. This vertical design is quite pointed or tapered, which helps in cutting through the water smoothly, reducing the bow wave.

Charlie: Interesting. What are the advantages of using a plumb, vertical bow over, say, a flared bow?

Art: A plumb bow, due to its pointed or tapered shape, helps achieve greater hull speed. The vertical alignment allows the boat to displace water more efficiently, which is crucial for high-speed maritime travel. In contrast, a flared bow is more about handling waves and providing more space on deck.

Charlie: Speaking of handling waves, how does the Ocean Sprinter manage that with its boat bow design?

Art: The tapered shape of the bow also plays a critical role in how water interacts with the ship’s hull. By channeling the water smoothly along the port side and starboard, the ship can maintain stability and speed even in rougher seas.

Charlie: That sounds quite innovative. How does this design impact the space available inside the ship?

Art: That’s one of the unique challenges. While a vertical bow doesn’t offer as much space as a flared bow, we’ve optimized the interior design to maximize space. The tapered shape may reduce some potential space forward, but it contributes significantly to the vessel's overall performance and efficiency.

Charlie: It seems like a balanced approach between performance and comfort. How has the market reacted to the new design?

Art: The response has been very positive, especially among clients who value speed and efficiency. They appreciate how the bow cuts through water and the benefits that the design brings to fuel efficiency and speed.

Charlie: It’s fascinating to see how bow designs can influence so many aspects of a ship's performance and utility. Art, thank you for sharing these insights today.

Art: Thank you, Charlie. It was a pleasure discussing our work with you and your readers at Sea Magazine.

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Advanced Hullform

Metal Shark’s 165 Defiant utilizes the Damen “Enlarged Ship Concept,” where the hull of a ship is extended to create an elongated hull form that substantially enhances seakeeping, operability and crew comfort by reducing vertical ship motions. The “Sea Axe” bow design represents a further evolution of the Enlarged Ship Concept. An Axe Bow vessel features an extremely slender and deep bow, without any flare, that provides unparalleled soft seakeeping characteristics, unrivaled operability, and increased fuel economy over conventional hull designs.

All Defiant offshore ships feature durable welded construction. The 165’ Defiant features a steel hull with aluminum deck and superstructure. Metal Shark’s expertise in patrol boat production, with hundreds of vessels in service worldwide, coupled with Damen’s technical expertise and global presence with shipyards worldwide, ensures a state of the art, precision craft that is built to last. The 165 Defiant is produced at Metal Shark’s large vessel shipyard complex in Franklin, Louisiana USA where upon completion vessels may be easily launched in the Gulf of Mexico.

The 165 Defiant features Metal Shark’s pillarless glass windshield, which significantly reduces blind spots. This, combined with the vessel’s elevated superstructure, provides ideal visibility for the crew. The 165 Defiant’s wheel house has been placed at the location where ship motions are least: approximately one third distance from the stern. This positioning creates the best possible working environment for the crew. The 165 Defiant been designed to allow for custom accommodations. A high-speed tender can be easily accommodated on the aft deck, where it can be launched from and recovered into an integrated stern slipway.

Crew Ergonomics

The 165 Defiant’s major controls and communication devices are integrated into the helmsman’s seat. Even in the most inclement conditions, the helmsman can easily and comfortably control the ship. Throughout the vessel, flexible carpentry and floating floors have been deployed to reduce vibration. Like all Metal Sharks, the interior layout may be fully customized to suit virtually any mission requirement.

Metal Shark’s Franklin Shipyard

Defiant Offshore Patrol vessels are fabricated at Metal Shark’s large vessel shipyard complex in Franklin, Louisiana USA. This 25-acre waterfront facility is situated with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and supports aluminum and steel shipbuilding efforts for vessels up to 250’. Metal Shark employs its own team of naval architects, master welders, and craftsmen. The company has extensive experience in producing custom patrol boats, with hundreds of vessels in service with the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, and the militaries of partner nations worldwide.

For information about this or any other Metal Shark model, we invite you to contact us today.

AXE BOW | DAMEN'S SEA AXE

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The Launch of the first Sea Axe support vessel OBERON by Amels

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Written by Eva Belanyiova

Exciting news for the future of the Fast Yacht Support Vessels: The first Sea Axe OBERON was launched by the Dutch shipbuilder Amels .

Oberon is a 50-metre vessel that was built to provide round-the-clock service and support for superyachts and is capable of travelling comfortably at high speeds in almost any sea state, which is possible due to the patented design of her Axe Bow.

She is the first vessel in the Fast Yacht Support market to make use of the Axe Bow, she is also capable of travelling at the top speed of 28 knots. Oberon is already in active service around the Mediterranean. Rob Luijendijk, the managing director of Amels-Holland explains the appeal of these vessels to the yacht owners with these words:

“The Sea Axe has a large capacity and is capable of carrying a helicopter, tenders, toys, fuels, consumables and waste, in addition to staff and relief crew.”

The Axe Bow is a proprietary design created jointly by Damen and Delft University of Technology under the direction of Dr ir J A (Lex) Keuning, associate professor of the Ship Hydromechanics Department. The theory of combining a deep forefoot with a very narrow entry in the bow pointed towards the possibility of significantly reducing the violent slamming motion of a ship in a rough seaway. The theory was subsequently proven with the successful launch of 18 Axe Bow vessels which Damen has delivered for use in patrol, oil-rig supply, and other offshore duties where consistent speed, easy motion, heavy weather reliability, and good fuel economy are all essential factors. Now with Oberon, Amels has taken the proven Axe Bow concept and applied it to a different market, to meet the demands for reliable support vessels among large yacht owners.

OBERON Sea Axe Support Vessel by Amels

The 50-metre Sea Axe is equipped with a 30-metre open deck with a total working area of 230 square metres and 250 tonnes of deck-cargo capacity. The deck crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 14 tonnes when extended to 10 metres. Capable of crossing the Atlantic at a cruising speed of 18 knots, the Sea Axe 5009 can be configured according to the client’s needs. For example, the standard configuration provides accommodation for a maximum 12 crew and staff, although it is possible to provide accommodation for additional staff with a customised layout. Where comfort and aesthetics often play second fiddle to functionality in the world of the support vessel, the Sea Axe range sets new standards, Luijendijk explains:

“We want to produce Fast Yacht Support vessels whose looks match their high performance, and which complement the mother ship rather than looking like the poor relation. This is why we offer the option of fairing and painting the Sea Axe hull to a standard that you would normally associate with a super yacht rather than support ship.Another option is to finish the deck in Bolidt artificial teak, which is very tough and hard-wearing but looks good too. Equally, we furnish cabins on a Sea Axe to the same standard as a crew interior on an Amels luxury yacht. We asked the market what it wanted from a Fast Yacht Support vessel, and comfort and aesthetics were important requirements. ”

In addition to the Sea Axe 5009, other models in the Sea Axe range are the smaller 3707 and the larger 6711, all available in customized configurations. To date, 24 Axe Bow vessels have been sold, of which 18 have already been delivered.

The Sea Axe range sales and marketing are managed by the shipyard themselves. Amels is the exclusive yacht building member of the Dutch Damen SHipyard Group, consisting of more than 34 shipyard and marine-related companies in the world. Damen employs over 6 700 people and in 2009 delivered 150 vessels, with an annual turnover of 1,4 billion Euros.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "The Launch of the first Sea Axe support vessel OBERON by Amels".

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This New 92-Foot Yacht Is Like a Motorcycle Cruiser for the High Seas

The 28e shows how builders can create megayachts from ever-smaller hulls without compromising on interior design or exterior layouts., kevin koenig, kevin koenig's most recent stories.

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The shipyard that built the ‘titanic’ has filed for bankruptcy.

Once you move into superyacht territory, the interior design elements also prove critical differentiators. Ocean Alexander works closely with Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau, one of the premier names in yacht and residential interior decor.

That partnership is critical for defining the interiors of the Ocean Alexander brand, says Evan K. Marshall, the yacht’s designer. “Some of the furniture, like the sectional sofa in the salon, we design ourselves and send to Poltrona Frau, and other pieces, like the coffee table, are all theirs,” he says. “They bring a level of quality, with fabrics and leathers and stitching, that can’t really be matched by in-house designers at a yacht company. Let me put it this way, you’re not going to find an in-house [yacht furniture] designer with a showroom on Rodeo Drive.”

But the exterior is equally megayacht. The “E” in this yacht’s name stands for “explore,” a reference to the model’s focus on connecting with the marine environment. The 28E’s extended transom area is designed for owners who like to swim, dive, fish, and use water toys. There is plenty of space to transport a tender and jet skis. Teak-soled terraces on either side, another hallmark of a larger yacht, fold out to turn it into a proper beach club.

The 28E also comes with a Jacuzzi on the aft end of its bridge deck, and a two-tiered lounge area on the foredeck, with sunpads and a dining settee. These will allow privacy when docked stern-to.

Perhaps the most admirable superyacht feature is the sky lounge, which has three seats in front at the helm, Poltrona Frau furniture aft along the port side, and an ornate cabinet running the length of the room. These turn what is typically a mundane pilothouse into an elegant social area.

All of these features are combined in a muscular, handsome package. The 28E’s axe bow has a familiar explorer look, while its dark glazing set against a white superstructure and hull create a pleasingly modern profile.

In a relatively compact package, it’s a great introduction for owners moving from a top-tier motoryacht to megayacht level, where the details matter.

The 28E will be on display at the Miami Yacht Show in February.

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Discussion in ' Boat Design ' started by tz3dcom , Aug 6, 2020 .

Hello all, This is a new 36.6M conceptwith a Axe Bow design, Does anyone know this type bow has any advantages and disadvantages in this size boat ? Here is the exterior 3D VR Demo KeyShotXR http://tz3dstudio.com/360/36m/36m.html Thanks for your comment.  

Attached Files:

jehardiman Senior Member

Depends on the design seaway. In some seaways it works, in others it will sink the vessel...YMMV.  

Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

after that Italian Navy ship with what is basically a "double bow", I'm thinking maybe a quadruple bow "sawtooth" might be about right. Idea would be to get a mix of wave piercing and wave defection but always having defection as the last operation to next too much spray coming over the bow. Double the number of points of bow in pic.  

Italian ship.jpg

DCockey Senior Member

tz3dcom said: ↑ This is a new 36.6M conceptwith a Axe Bow design, Does anyone know this type bow has any advantages and disadvantages in this size boat ? Click to expand...

DCockey said: ↑ Am I correct that your studio spent time creating a design, and are now asking if a principal feature of the design, the bow shape, has any advantages? That is an interesting approach. Click to expand...

CocoonCruisers Junior Member

Clearly that question may appear slightly bizarre on such a technical forum. But meanwhile tz3dcom's bow already fulfils a purpose: it sure looks cool. I guess the main question here is if the marketing blurb can be backed up with an actual need or advantage. (And it seems there is a bit of confusion between axe bow, as used on patrol boats, and the X-bow on some Burbon ships.) As for a need, i'd say no: the purpose of such a boat is for the billionnaires to enjoy the champaign. The captain will know fairly well that if they all end up puking because of high speeds in horrendous seastates (which is the purpose of the real x-bow, look up the videos), he will get fired. So in actual usage, the thing will not be driven hard enough for the bow shape to matter. And your yacht looks a little too fat and low for it to work properly anyway - the much larger and higher axe bow ocean supply ships are fairly slender. As for advantages, it might be a little bit softer in medium speeds, but go a little too fast and you won't see much anymore, and you'd probably risk greenwater crashing through the front windows at lower speeds than with a more classic bow. So i wouldn't lean too far out of the window in terms of functionality promises. BTW be careful with names that stand for patented concepts.  

Yobarnacle Senior Member holding true course

Axe bows are purposed to eliminate bow shadow. With high bowed large vessels, the area in front of a conventional bow for considerable distance is blocked from view. Called the "Bow Shadow". Vessels like tugs and other special designs, need to work close to other structures and vessels. Eliminating bow shadow reduces close quarters collisions. Sending a hand on the dock with a walkie-talkie , to take a look in front, also works, but crews are smaller and getting smaller. Also, axe bow makes observing forward draft marks easier, and observing the anchor when heaving up snug in the hawse hole more visible. Many times the anchor must be relowered and resnugged several times, before it twists to the correct angle for housing in the hawse pipe.. Better visibility is the sole advantage of Axe bows. Except maybe less material used in construction? Because of bow shadow, navigation regulations require stationing the underway lookout as low and as far forward, as possible.  

Yobarnacle said: ↑ Also, axe bow makes observing forward draft marks easier, and observing the anchor when heaving up snug in the hawse hole more visible. Many times the anchor must be relowered and resnugged several times, before it twists to the correct angle for housing in the hawse pipe.. Click to expand...

My experience is with large commercial vessels. A boathook won't faze a ten ton anchor. Axe bows on yachts also reduce bow shadow, though their bow shadow is minimal compared to a ship whose bow is five stories high. The NA will design he solutions for the small problems. NAs do that specialized work!  

Yobarnacle said: ↑ My experience is with large commercial vessels. A boathook won't faze a ten ton anchor. Axe bows on yachts also reduce bow shadow, though their bow shadow is minimal compared to a ship whose bow is five stories high. The NA will design he solutions for the small problems. NAs do that specialized work! Click to expand...

Squidly-Diddly said: ↑ after that Italian Navy ship with what is basically a "double bow", I'm thinking maybe a quadruple bow "sawtooth" might be about right. Idea would be to get a mix of wave piercing and wave defection but always having defection as the last operation to next too much spray coming over the bow. Double the number of points of bow in pic. Click to expand...

jehardiman said: ↑ Depends on the design seaway. In some seaways it works, in others it will sink the vessel...YMMV. Click to expand...

As for a need, i'd say no: the purpose of such a boat is for the billionnaires to enjoy the champaign. The captain will know fairly well that if they all end up puking because of high speeds in horrendous seastates (which is the purpose of the real x-bow, look up the videos), he will get fired. So in actual usage, the thing will not be driven hard enough for the bow shape to matter. And your yacht looks a little too fat and low for it to work properly anyway - the much larger and higher axe bow ocean supply ships are fairly slender. Click to expand...

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Tz3dcom, while I understand that neophytes come to this site to learn, I abhor people coming who have yet to do due diligence in their studies. tz3dcom said: ↑ So serious .... has any example to prove it will sink the vessel ? as we know many warships with this type bow a hundred years ago. Click to expand...

Wave-peircing & Axe bows, how about Saw bows?

axe bow design

what do you think of this one? (river cruiser for relaxed cruising)

Blaxell Surfrider - Floor problems

Bowsprit design

Redesigning the windshield incorporating bow access door

One-armed bow cleat?

Bowrider hull

Bow digging during corners

"future of boats" sunbeam 32.1 stealing my saw bow concept (sort of).

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About Moscow Axe Throwing

At moscow axe throwing our goal is to compliment the calm beauty of the palouse with the timeless sport of axe throwing, axe throwing's history is an intriguing topic. due to the low cost of production, axes have been used as both a tool and a weapon throughout history..

Some of the first tools used by humans were axes. In the Stone Age, they were widespread. When they were first created, they lacked a handle (or haft), and the cutting edge was fashioned of stone. They became weapons very quickly. Thrown axes, however, were not utilized until 400–500 AD.

Among throwing axes, the Francisca axe is arguably the most well-known. It was a weapon in the early middle ages. It was widely recognized as the national weapon of the Franks, but many other Germanic Tribes also employed it at the time. 

Some historians contend that axes were not actually thrown during wars. They think it would be foolish to lose a cherished weapon and then find themselves defenseless in the face of their adversaries. They contend that it was instead utilized for food hunting. Thrown weapons were frequently employed because it was difficult to get within an arm’s length of an animal.

Some historians contend that throwing the axe came before engaging in hand-to-hand combat. They gave their combat operations a psychological advantage. It was challenging to estimate where the axe would land because the Francisca frequently had a random trajectory. Enemies would frequently flee after a salvo out of concern that another one would follow.

Customized Experience

Looking for something unique for your next bachelor/bachelorette, birthday, fraternity, sorority or company party ? Book the whole venue or just a few lanes and we’ll work with you to customize your experience to make sure its an event no one forgets!

Interested In Coaching, Training or Becoming a Member?

We’ll work with your schedule and goals. we believe in reciprocity with our employees; the more you invest in us the more we invest in you send us a copy of your resume via our application form. we look forward to hearing from you. cheers, - moscow axe throwing.

Moscow Axe Throwing Rockstar Coaching & Staff

Our team is searching for enthusiastic, axcited staff members to kick open the doors of Moscow Axe Throwing! We are looking for an individual who brings a fun attitude to the job site, wants to work hard, and loves working with people. We are primarily an evening and weekend business, so the ideal candidate must be able to work those shifts. 

Opportunity for promotions and raises will be available for staff who are dependable, have a good attitude and communicate effectively. Must have a willingness to learn and develop themselves with the company. Long term employment is ideal; however we can work with your lifestyle as long as you communicate with us. Please attach resumes with your response and tell us a little about yourself.

What We Offer:

• We will train you how to throw our axes, knives and ninja stars safely and effectively
• We work with your schedule
• $12.00/hr starting
• Get in early and there will be room to advance within the company and build your resume, skills and competencies
• Good mixture of socializing, administration and general facility labor and maintenance.

Job Duties & Ideal Candidates:

• Check in customers on our booking software, ensure payment for each party member and that waivers are signed by all customers.
• Operate our Point of Sales System
• Instruct attendees on how to properly throw projectiles
• Politely ensure safe conduct
• Provide helpful insights to customers to help them land a bullseye
• Help maintain targets and replace boards
• Work with onsite manager to problem solve and address customer concerns

Our Founding Team

Chris ihler.

Born and raised in Washington Chris developed a passion for entrepreneurship and working with people. He graduated from Seattle University with Bachelor of Business Management and a Minor in Entrepreneurship while receiving recognition for entrepreneurial spirit and business plan competitions from the University. Combining his passion for people and business Chris spearheaded several public facing voter education projects collaborating with community, business, and public leaders thought the state. Additionally, he recruited and managed hundreds of volunteers and staff for his projects. As the General Manager for the business Chris’ brings a combination of entrepreneurial, managerial, and people skills that ensure an excellent business execution.

Tyler Sabin

After visiting Heber Hatchets in Spokane with a few friends Tyler was inspired to start Hansa Hatchets. Being a fulltime Manager in Pullman, he knew he would need business partners with available time and wisdom. Having started a few businesses around different parts of the US, Tyler wanted to challenge himself with something different. In 2017 he graduated from WSU in Pullman with a Bachelor of Science. Shortly thereafter he quickly discovered his love of business after reading the works of Robert Kiyosaki. Tyler spent the following years increasing his knowledge of business, getting involved in real estate, and developing his business education empirically.

With Hansa Hatchets being an evolving project, Tyler sought partners who could compliment his knowledge and capital with their own critical thinking and success driven attitudes. With his contribution he would need onsite management and an additional capital provider. After pitching this idea to various business networks, Chris and Greg displayed these as well as the complementary abilities and experiences Tyler wanted to work with. As an alumnus of WSU, he is excited to be returning to the Palouse with a vision for the region and to have a great team to work with.

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