Question

Boats with planing hulls can skim along at ____, riding almost on top of the water rather than pushing it aside.

A) Low speeds
B) Moderate speeds
C) High speeds
D) Variable speeds

Answer 1

Boats with planing hulls are designed to skim along at high speeds, which allows them to ride on top of the water and minimize drag.

Step-by-step explanation:

Boats with planing hulls can skim along at C) High speeds, riding almost on top of the water rather than pushing it aside. Planing hulls are designed to rise out of the water as speed increases, reducing the hull's contact with the water and thus minimizing drag. This allows for a more efficient and faster ride on the surface of the water. Unlike displacement hulls, which push water aside and are used for barges and larger ships, planing hulls rely on speed to lift the boat and are commonly associated with speedboats. It is crucial to operate them at higher speeds to achieve the necessary lift and maintain the 'planing' effect over the water.