Slamming is the impact of the bottom structure of a ship onto the sea surface. It is mainly observed while sailing in waves, when the bow raises from the water and subsequently impacts on it. Slamming induces extremely high loads to ship structures and is taken into consideration when designing ships. Slamming is not strictly limited to ships and is observed watercraft as small as kayaks. , p. 91 For

trimarans A trimaran (or double-outrigger) is a multihull boat that comprises a main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls (or "floats") which are attached to the main hull with lateral beams. Most modern trimarans are sailing yachts designed for recreatio ...

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catamarans A Formula 16 beachable catamaran Powered catamaran passenger ferry at Salem, Massachusetts, United States A catamaran () (informally, a "cat") is a multi-hulled watercraft featuring two parallel hulls of equal size. It is a geometry-stab ...

, slamming can occur when an ama slams back down into the sea after being lifted clear by wind or wave action. Slamming can also occur for multihull vessels when the sea strikes an aka that is normally above water level and join the vessel's hulls together. Slamming can occur in relatively mild sea conditions if the vessel is prone to hobby horsing, aka pitching. Hobby horsing is more likely to occur aboard vessels where the bow and stern sections are both narrow.

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