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Physical effort: Low Posterior

Boat: a lying-down, rear-entry sex position

The Boat is a lying-down position for vaginal or anal penetration from behind. She lies face down with her legs straight and together, her upper body slightly raised on her forearms, and he lies over her back with his hands on the bed. It is easy and comfortable, offers plenty of body contact and lets him kiss her neck and cheek, although there is no eye contact.

Also known as: Barca · Prone bone · Flat doggy

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Illustration of Boat: A lying-down rear-entry position: she lies face down with her legs together and he lies over her back, propped on his hands.
Anatomy and biomechanics

She lies face down on the bed with her legs straight and together and raises her upper body slightly on her forearms; she can turn her head towards him. He lies over her back facing the same way, arms straight and hands flat on the bed beside her shoulders, with his legs resting over hers and his knees slightly bent. He enters from behind, between her buttocks, and sets the pace with his hips. Her closed legs shorten penetration, which is of medium depth, and add a feeling of snugness. He carries part of his weight on his wrists; she carries some on her abdomen against the bed, and on her lower back if she props herself up high.

Why this position works

People like it because it is comfortable and takes little effort: she can relax on the bed while he sets the pace. His body over her back creates a sense of closeness and shelter, and he can kiss her neck and cheek. With her legs together, many people find penetration feels snugger, and some notice that the angle presses on the front wall of the vagina; the vulva rubbing against the bed can add sensation too. There is no eye contact.

Deep Intimacy Power Play Sensory Exploration Relaxation and Surrender Complete Rhythm Control Easy Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: with a cushion under the hips

A firm cushion under her pelvis raises her hips and changes the angle of entry.

Same position, but with a firm cushion under her hips. Her pelvis sits a little higher and tilted, entry is easier and penetration can be slightly deeper. It also eases the pressure of her abdomen against the bed and leaves room for a hand.

  1. She places a firm cushion under her hips, not under her belly.
  2. She lies face down with her legs together and props herself on her forearms.
  3. He lies over her with his hands on the bed level with her shoulders.
  4. Adjust the height of the cushion until entry feels comfortable for both of you.

Variation 2: with her legs apart

She opens her legs and he kneels between them instead of resting his legs over hers.

Same position, but she spreads her legs on the bed and he rests his knees between them. Penetration can go deeper and he has more freedom of movement; you lose some of the snug feeling of closed legs.

  1. She lies face down and opens her legs to a comfortable width.
  2. He kneels between her legs and leans over her back.
  3. He puts his hands on the bed beside her shoulders.
  4. Build up depth gradually and talk about the pace.

Variation 3: with him on his elbows

He drops from his hands onto his forearms and brings his chest close to her back.

Same position, but he rests his forearms on the bed instead of his hands. Chest-to-back contact increases, it is easier to kiss her neck and his wrists get a rest. He still needs to hold his weight on his arms so he does not crush her.

  1. Get into the main position.
  2. He bends his elbows and rests his forearms on the bed on either side of her.
  3. He brings his chest close to her back without letting all his weight drop.
  4. Move with a shorter, closer rhythm and take the chance to kiss her neck.

Variation 4: with her chest on the bed

She rests her chest and head on the pillow instead of propping herself up on her forearms.

Same position, but she does not raise her upper body: her chest and head stay on the pillow, with her arms stretched forward or tucked under it. The arch in her lower back disappears and the position becomes even more relaxing for her.

  1. She lies face down with her legs together and rests her head sideways on the pillow.
  2. She stretches her arms forward or tucks them under the pillow without propping up.
  3. He lies over her, supported on his hands or elbows.
  4. Keep a gentle pace and check that she can breathe comfortably.

Variation 5: with her hand under her pelvis

She slides a hand under her pelvis to stroke her clitoris during penetration.

Same position, but she props herself on one forearm and brings the other hand under her pelvis to her clitoris. The weight of both bodies and his movement press her pelvis against her hand, and she controls the pressure. A thin cushion under her hips leaves more room.

  1. She lies face down with her legs together, propped on one forearm.
  2. She slides her other hand under her pelvis to reach her clitoris.
  3. He lies over her without resting his weight, so her hand is not squashed.
  4. She sets the pressure of her hand and tells him which pace works best.

✓ Tips

  • Do not let all your weight fall on her: keep your arms firm or lower onto your elbows, and check that she can breathe comfortably.
  • If her lower back aches from propping herself up, she can lower her chest to the pillow or put a cushion under her hips.
  • Use controlled thrusts: if the penis slips out, guide it back in by hand instead of pushing blindly, because a misdirected thrust can bend it.
  • Use lubricant; for anal sex it is essential, along with a condom, and change condoms before switching from anal to vaginal sex.
  • Take breaks to rest your wrists, and stop if there is any pain.

Key facts

Interaction type
Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, lying face down
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, lying face down
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes: it takes little effort and little balance. The main thing is that he does not rest his weight on her and that you both adjust the pace as you go.

Why keep her legs together?

With her legs together, penetration is shallower and snugger, which many people enjoy. If you want more depth, try the legs-apart variation.

Can the clitoris be stimulated in this position?

Yes: she can slide a hand under her pelvis, or make the most of her vulva rubbing against the bed. A cushion under her hips leaves more room for her hand.

Does it work for anal sex?

Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, start slowly and stop if it hurts.

Safety and evidence 7 topics · 14 clinical and academic references

This section summarizes anatomical and clinical evidence relevant to this position. The sources provide context; they do not show that a specific position guarantees pleasure, orgasm or a particular type of stimulation.

G-spot: what the evidence says

The “G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not demonstrated a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary from person to person.

Sources
O'Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM. Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology. 2005. PubMed ↗
Vieira-Baptista P, et al. G-spot: Fact or Fiction? A Systematic Review. Sexual Medicine. 2021. PubMed ↗

Anatomical variability

Vaginal shape, axis and dimensions vary considerably from person to person. As a result, depth and comfort may differ even when using the same position.

Sources
Barnhart KT, et al. Baseline dimensions of the human vagina. Human Reproduction. 2006. PubMed ↗
Luo J, et al. Quantitative analyses of variability in normal vaginal shape and dimension on MR images. International Urogynecology Journal. 2016. PubMed ↗

Lubrication and comfort

When there is dryness, friction or discomfort, a suitable lubricant may make sexual activity easier and improve comfort. Its use is not universally necessary.

Sources
World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on self-care interventions: availability of lubricants during sexual activity. 2024. WHO ↗
Vanderschee R, Kostov S. Approach to lubricant use for sexual activity. Canadian Family Physician. 2025. PubMed ↗

Anal sex: care and prevention

The anus does not lubricate itself and its lining is thin. Plenty of lubricant, a condom, going slowly and being able to stop at any moment make it more comfortable and lower the risk of injury and infection.

Sources
NHS (National Health Service, Reino Unido). Sex activities and risk. Consultado en 2026. NHS ↗
World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on self-care interventions: availability of lubricants during sexual activity. 2024. WHO ↗

Penile fracture: prevention and warning signs

It is uncommon, but it can happen when the erect penis bends suddenly, often after slipping out and hitting the partner’s pubic bone or perineum. Moving with control and slowing down if the penis slips out helps prevent it.

Sources
International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Is it possible to break your penis? 2024. ISSM ↗
Barros R, Schulze L, Ornellas AA, Koifman L, Favorito LA. Relationship between sexual position and severity of penile fracture. Int J Impot Res. 2017;29(5):207-209. PubMed ↗
Reis LO, Cartapatti M, Marmiroli R, de Oliveira Júnior EJ, Saade RD, Fregonesi A. Mechanisms predisposing penile fracture and long-term outcomes on erectile and voiding functions. Adv Urol. 2014;2014:768158. PMC ↗

Clitoral stimulation and orgasm

For many women, the most reliable route to orgasm is clitoral stimulation, direct or indirect. A position that leaves hands free or lets the clitoris be rubbed makes it easier to add during penetration.

Sources
Herbenick D, Fu TC, Arter J, Sanders SA, Dodge B. Women's experiences with genital touching, sexual pleasure, and orgasm: results from a U.S. probability sample of women ages 18 to 94. J Sex Marital Ther. 2018;44(2):201-212. PubMed ↗
Frederick DA, John HKS, Garcia JR, Lloyd EA. Differences in orgasm frequency among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual men and women in a U.S. national sample. Arch Sex Behav. 2018;47(1):273-288. PubMed ↗

STI protection: condoms and dental dams

A condom, put on from the start and used throughout, is the most effective way to reduce sexually transmitted infections during penetration. For oral sex, a condom or a dental dam lowers the risk.

Sources
World Health Organization. Condoms (fact sheet). Ginebra: WHO, 2025. WHO ↗
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About STI risk and oral sex. Atlanta: CDC. CDC ↗

View the full safety and evidence system

Reviewed by Francisco Muñoz, editor ·

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