Stem (ship)
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The stem is the most forward part of a boat or ship's bow and is an extension of the keel itself. It is often found on wooden boats or ships, but not exclusively.
A model of the French ship Soleil Royal held at the Musée National de la Marine de Paris. The most forward and lowest curved part of the ship is the stem (not normally the extended part beyond the hull).
The bow of the oil and chemical tanker Bro Elizabeth in dry dock in Brest, France. This ship does not have a stem.
Beakhead
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A beakhead or beak is the protruding part of the foremost section of a sailing ship.
Stem (ship)
…might be a simple wood carving (ornamental) or cleat (functional). On large wooden ships, figureheads can be attached to the upper end of the stem. Beakhead Bow…
The bow and beakhead of the 17th century warship Vasa (ship) seen from above. The small square holes on either side of the bowsprit are the toilets.