Boat Hulls: Frequently Asked Questions

The hull is the part of the boat that rides both on top and in water.
The body of the boat is what is referred to as the hull.

The hull is the watertight part of the body that is used to protect occupants and cargo.
It keeps the water from getting into the boat and also protects the machinery.
Another purpose of the hull is to provide accommodation space.
It is used to prevent structural damage in the boat and flooding.
It is one of the main components of the boat that helps with sailing and navigation.

Glass-reinforced plastic or fiberglass is what is usually used in building boats.
However, wood is the traditional material used for making boat hulls.
There are other materials used today like metal (iron and steel), aluminium, and polyethene.
Different boat hulls are made with different materials depending on the manufacturers.

There are very many types of boat hulls; these are the main ones.
Planing hulls, displacement hulls, flat bottom hulls, smooth curve hulls, v-bottom hulls, and tri-hulls are common.
The list of hull types is long; many manufacturers explore different designs depending on functionality.

When you want speed, either the v-shaped or the flat-bottom hulls are the best.
However, you should know that different hulls have their strong suits, and it comes down to your needs.
If you are sailing in lakes and rivers, the flat-bottom will give you the best speed on the smooth waters.
For your ocean swells and offshore needs, a deep v-shaped hull is ideal for you.
The best hull shape depends on the waters you will encounter.

The displacement hulls. This types of hull lie beneath the water and displace it when moving.
It will use its buoyancy to stay afloat, making them very stable even with big waves.
The deep-v hulls are best for powerboats in the rough waters.