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HULL DESIGNS

There are two basic hull types – displacement and planing. The term displacement means the weight or volume of water displaced by a boat or ship. Planing is the ability of a boat to “get up on top” or “glide” on the water, creating less displacement. A planing hull boat at rest acts as a displacement hull.

Illustration Type of Hull Example Advantage Disadvantage
Flat bottom hull Flat Bottom (Planing) Jon Boat Shallow draft, lightweight Low freeboard, only for calm to light seas, rough ride
V hull "V" hull (Planing) Cruiser Stable, handles rough seas Deep draft, heavy. Requires more power to move at same speed.
Modified V hull Modified "V" PWC Stable when moving Unstable at low or idle
Multi-hull Multi-Hull Catamaran
Trimaran
Very stable, handles light to moderate seas well Difficult to maneuver in tight areas
Round bottom hull Round Bottom (Displacement) Tug, Sailboat Plows through the water, provides a smooth ride Rolls easily from side to side
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