Stern

The stern is the aftermost part of a vessel, opposite the bow. It includes the structure and deck area at the rear of the hull, often incorporating the transom, boarding platform, steering gear, exhaust outlets, or outboard mounting depending on the boat’s design.

For boaters, the stern is central to manoeuvring, berthing, and safety. Steering forces usually act near the stern through the Rudder or propeller wash, while a Stern Thruster can improve close-quarters control. Stern shape, including the Transom, also influences wake, following-sea behaviour, and boarding from a tender or dock.

When planning a passage, consider how wind, waves, and current will affect the stern, particularly when running downwind, reversing into a berth, or deploying gear from aft. PredictWind forecasts, wave maps, and Weather Routing help assess sea state and wind direction so you can choose safer headings, speeds, and arrival conditions.