What does a planing hull do?

A planing hull is designed to lift out of the water as the boat gains speed, effectively riding on top of the water's surface rather than pushing through it. This allows for greater efficiency and speed, as the reduced surface area in contact with the water minimizes drag. When a planing hull reaches a certain speed, it transitions from a displacement mode, where it forces water aside, to a planing mode, where it skims across the surface.

This characteristic makes planing hulls ideal for high-speed maneuvering and recreational boating, as they can achieve faster speeds with decreased resistance, enhancing performance. The ability to ride above the water is distinct from other hull types that are designed to be more stable at lower speeds, which remain submerged or close to the water's surface.