Which of the following characteristics describes a planing hull?

A planing hull is specifically designed to rise up and glide on the surface of the water once it reaches a certain speed. This is achieved through its shape, which allows it to create lift as the boat accelerates. When a vessel with a planing hull moves forward quickly, it displaces the water beneath it, minimizing resistance and enhancing speed.

The characteristic of riding on top of the water is crucial because it allows planing hulls to achieve higher speeds more efficiently compared to displacement hulls, which cut through the water and are designed to carry their weight through displacement rather than riding on top.

In contrast, options that describe a planing hull's behavior at high speeds may not hold true in the same way. While planing hulls do push water aside, they do so effectively and with less drag compared to other designs. Additionally, planing hulls typically handle better at speed, making them more agile; therefore, they do not maneuver poorly. Lastly, planing hulls are generally lighter than displacement hulls, meaning they do not tend to be very heavy or primarily displace water as displacement hulls do.