The Boat Hull and Its Effect on Water Travel

While many people have leisurely floated out to sea on a strapping sailboat, endured a family fishing expedition, or vacationed on a luxurious cruise ship, it is the same scientific principle that makes all watercrafts stay afloat. The ability to travel by water is based on the rule of displacement.

In simple terms, displacement occurs when an object is set in fluid, forcing the fluid out of its way. In the case of boats, the object's mass is considered its displacement. The basic concept is the same, however, because it refers to the amount of water forced out of the way. Any object that floats is displacing a measurement of fluid equaling that of its mass. Interestingly, the type of water remains a factor, since a ship traveling in fresh water needs to displace a larger volume of fluid than one of the same size moving through salt water.

Small boats usually have a flat bottom, making it easier to glide on top of water when traveling at fast speeds. Rough waters should be avoided in these types of vessels, as they are intended for much calmer settings, such as ponds and still lakes. Flat-bottomed boats, or "jon (or john) boats", as they are typically called, are primarily constructed of aluminum or wood.

Vessels with round bottoms are designed to slide through water and are designed for low speeds. Found on many canoes and sailboats, round bottoms often require some type of stabilization, since wave movement will cause the vessel to rock. Round-bottomed boats are often the cause of seasickness in many passengers.

The most common type of hull is the "V", or Deep-V. This type of bottom allows a vessel to travel at higher speeds and cut through the waves, producing a gentler ride. Although V bottoms move easier through active waters, a large engine is required to propel the vehicle. The V bottom comes in a variety of designs, with various modifications made over time to improve its purpose.

Boats with dual hulls, or cathedral hulls, are very stable because of the way they sit in the water. They may even possess more than two hulls, called a multi-hull, giving even greater stability. Catamarans are designed using a tunnel hull, which feature two Deep Vs on either side, joined together by a raised section.

When choosing a boat, it is important to consider the type of water in which the watercraft will be used. Although they are less expensive than most and require little maintenance, flat-bottomed watercrafts are never recommended for ocean use. Likewise, for relaxing fishing trips in tranquil waters, a Deep-V vessel would be an excessive purchase.

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