Anatomy of Yamato
8. Bulbous Bow
Yamato's vast width posed a challenge: her designers had to
come up with a hydrodynamic bow to help the ship cut through the
water. They tested 50 different wax models and struck upon a bow
shape that greatly reduced drag at the front of the ship. The
bulbous bow, jutting out 10 feet, creates its own wave that cancels
out another wave generated by the main part of the ship. Less
hindered by wave resistance, Yamato could reach a top speed
of nearly 28 knots (32 mph), extraordinary at the time for a ship of
her size.