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Factors That Affect A Boat’s Speed

May. 10 2021 Lifestyle By New Jersey Outboards

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If you enjoy cutting through the waves at top speeds, you’ll want to maximize the thrills every time you hit the water. However, not every experience can offer you the same adrenaline rush as there are several factors affecting a boat’s speed. Do you want to know them all? Read on!

At New Jersey Outboards in Bayville, New Jersey, we have compiled the essential factors that influence the speed of a boat. Head to our dealership to pick the right vessel for your outing and get your questions addressed by our friendly staff regarding your boat’s performance. We are happy to serve all those in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Boat Engine

The more powerful a boat’s engine, the better the speed will be. However, not every boat’s performance will solely depend on this. For example, racing yachts, which depend on the sails to optimize their speeds, will do well even with smaller engines with less horsepower. Likewise, vessels with planing hulls will require larger engines to reach their full potential speed.

Hull Shape

The second factor that affects a boat’s speed is its hull. You can categorize a powerboat’s hull into three types, which include displacement, semi-displacement, and planing hulls. 

A boat with a planing hull offers the best speed among the three as it uses a hydrodynamic lift to cruise across the surface of the water. A boat with a displacement hull (V-shaped hull with round bottom) will move at a reduced but consistent velocity. A vessel with a semi-displacement hull will push aside the water at a low speed but are wonderful all-round crafts, especially on rough water.   

Weight of the Boat

A heavy boat will sit lower in the water and it will require more force to push a greater volume of water out of the way. This water resistance will affect its speed. On the contrary, a lightweight boat will move faster. However, if you are heading to the ocean and sailing against the waves, your boat’s speed will be slowed down due to the heavier force of the waves as compared to your boat’s weight.

Additional Considerations

To establish a safe speed for your boat, consider the below factors:

  • The visibility conditions (rain, mist, darkness, etc.)
  • The wind and water currents
  • Traffic density on the water body you intend to explore
  • The size of your watercraft (a larger turning radius for bigger vessels)

There can be other factors, too, which you may want to consider depending on the body of water you are heading to. Consult your local boating club for more information.

To get your craft ready for your next high-speed adventure, get in touch with the service experts at New Jersey Outboards. If you're looking for some high-quality boats for sale in Bayville, New Jersey, our team will be happy to give you a full tour of our latest inventory and help you pick a vessel that’s perfect for you. We proudly serve all our friends in New York and Connecticut.