1. What is Planing Hull Speed?

The planing hull speed is the velocity at which a boat transitions from displacement mode to planing mode, where it rides on top of the water rather than pushing through it. This calculator estimates that speed based on power and weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the planing hull speed equation:

Where:

• \( power \) — Engine power in horsepower (hp)
• \( weight \) — Total weight in kilograms (kg)

Explanation: The equation shows that speed increases with power and decreases with weight, following a square root relationship.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

Details: Knowing the planing speed helps in boat design, engine selection, and performance optimization. It's crucial for achieving efficient operation and fuel economy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in horsepower and weight in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect planing speed besides power and weight?
A: Hull design, water conditions, and load distribution also significantly impact actual planing speed.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a theoretical estimate. Real-world speeds may vary by 10-20% due to other factors.

Q3: What is a typical planing speed range?
A: Most planing hulls operate between 15-30 knots (7.7-15.4 m/s) when on plane.

Q4: Why does weight have such a big impact?
A: More weight requires more lift to get the boat on plane, which requires more power or results in lower speed.

Q5: Can this be used for all boat types?
A: It works best for monohull planing vessels. Catamarans and other designs may require different calculations.