1. What is Maximum Hull Speed?

The maximum hull speed is the speed at which the wavelength of a vessel's bow wave equals the waterline length, creating increased drag. It's a theoretical limit for displacement hulls, though modern designs can exceed it.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hull speed formula:

Where:

• \( LWL \) — Waterline length in feet
• \( max\_factor \) — Hull type coefficient (1.0-1.2)
• 1.34 — Empirical constant for speed in knots

Explanation: The square root relationship comes from wave-making resistance physics. The factor accounts for different hull types.

3. Importance of Hull Speed Calculation

Details: Knowing hull speed helps in boat design, fuel efficiency planning, and understanding performance limitations. Exceeding hull speed requires significantly more power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure waterline length accurately. Select appropriate hull type factor (1.0 for traditional displacement hulls, higher for more modern designs).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can boats exceed hull speed?
A: Yes, with sufficient power, planing hulls can exceed theoretical hull speed by rising over their bow wave.

Q2: How does hull shape affect speed?
A: Narrower hulls generally have higher potential speeds. Multihulls can exceed monohull speed limits.

Q3: Why 1.34 as the constant?
A: This empirical value accounts for the relationship between wave propagation speed and waterline length in salt water.

Q4: Does this apply to all boats?
A: Primarily applies to displacement hulls. Planing hulls behave differently at higher speeds.

Q5: How does load affect hull speed?
A: Increased load lengthens waterline slightly, potentially increasing hull speed, but also increases drag.