What defines planing hulls?

Planing hulls are defined by their ability to rise and glide on top of the water when given sufficient speed and power. Unlike displacement hulls that displace water as they move and are designed to operate effectively at lower speeds, planing hulls are engineered to "plane" on the water surface. This occurs when they achieve a specific speed, allowing them to lift out of the water to reduce resistance and increase efficiency.

The design of planing hulls typically incorporates a flatter bottom and a shaped bow, which helps in achieving this gliding effect. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for recreational boats, such as speedboats and certain types of fishing vessels, that prioritize speed and agility over the capacity to transport heavy loads or navigate deep water. Thus, the ability to rise and glide on the water is key to recognizing what sets planing hulls apart in the realm of boating.