The after end closes the hull and often houses propulsion. The stern is the rear part of a ship or boat, opposite the bow.

Stern shape affects resistance, seakeeping, and the arrangement of propellers and rudders. Transom sterns, cruiser sterns, and canoe sterns each suit different design goals. Mooring equipment, towing points, and sometimes ramps or doors are fitted at the stern. On many ships the machinery space lies toward the stern.

Following seas can make the stern difficult to control, with risk of pooping or broaching. Docking and undocking often require precise control of the stern’s position relative to the berth. The stern light and other signals help identify the ship’s aspect at night.

• Rear part of a ship or boat
• Shapes wake, propulsion layout, and seakeeping
• Often carries mooring and towing fittings
• Requires careful control in following seas and docking