In many ways, the hull is the most important part of the
boat because it’s what helps it float and move across the water. Boat hulls
either displace water or ride on top of it. Hulls, like boats, come in a wide
variety of shapes and sizes. Let’s check out a few of these common types of
boat hulls and know which type of hulls are suited for your boating activities.
Displacement Hulls: These hulls are slow-moving and have a small propulsion unit, but they are incredibly steady
and are more than capable of carrying heavy and large loads. They move lower in
the water compared to other hulls so they tend to push or displace water.
These hulls have a round bottom with a ballast placed at the centre to steady
themselves. At rest, a displacement hull tends to roll with the waves. Boats
that usually have a displacement hull are large boats such as ships, or
slow-moving boats like sailboats.
Planing Hulls: These boats are designed to rise
and climb toward the water surface (as if they’re gliding) when enough power is
supplied. If they are at rest or moving slowly, they operate pretty much the
same as a displacement hull. Some small sailboats and personal watercrafts such
as jet skis and wave runners have planing hulls.
Flat Bottom: Flat-bottomed boats are very stable
and can carry a heavier load. These hulls are great for shallow waters since they have a shallow
draft. They also have a good amount of deck space both of which are ideal
for fishing on calm bodies of water such as small lakes, ponds, or rivers. Jon
boats and some aluminium fishing boats have
flat bottoms.
V-Bottom: These hulls have deep V hulls that cut
through waves and ride smoothly regardless if the waters are choppy or not.
They take a bit more power to push up onto a plane, tend to roll or bank in
sharp turns and due to the angle of the hull, have less interior volume for
stowage or accommodations. Fast, distance fishing boats like centre consoles
and bowriders tend
to have a V bottom so they can run fast on open water to get to the fishing
grounds quickly.
Multi-Hulled: Multi-hulled boats are the most
stable in the water but they require more room to steer and turn efficiently.
Examples of common multi-hulled boats are catamarans and pontoon boats.
Which Boat Hull Design Is Best For You?
Different hull shapes will suit different boaters. Here’s a
quick rundown of which hull types work best for different pursuits.
Speed Enthusiasts
For real speed enthusiasts, there are two ways you can go.
Flat-bottom boats can work very well on flat, calm water such as a lake or
river. Out on the ocean, a V-hull is the best way to go faster without getting
thrown around by rough waves.
Anglers
For fishing, the best choice of boat hull will largely
depend on what conditions you’re fishing in and what you’re fishing for. Freshwater fishermen can get away with a shallow-hull bass boat, while
deep-V vessels will work better on the coastal waters.
Sports Enthusiasts
Wakeboarders and waterski enthusiasts will need a special
modified-V boat shape to get the best performance for their sport of choice.
There are plenty of different modified shapes to choose from, specially crafted
for different sports, different waters, and different equipment needs.
Casual Boaters
For casual boaters looking for leisurely family outings,
then a V-shaped hull will offer the best level of versatility and practicality.
You’ll be able to enjoy a gentle put around a lake or explore your nearest
coastline without having to worry whether your boat is capable enough. Then
again, if you’re only after a casual boat that you only use now and again, a
sturdy inflatable boat might be a better option, and more cost-efficient too.