How do you calculate maximum speed of hull?

Answer 1

This is a way to get a general hull speed - other factors (such as weight, beam - width of the boat, etc.) can affect this calculation.

1. Measure the craft's waterline length in feet.

2. Take the square root of the waterline length.

3. Multiply the square root of the length by 1.34. This number is the hull speed for your vessel as measured in knots.

4. Double check your answer. The equation written out looks like:

   v = 1.34 (square root of LWL)

   Where v is the speed of the vessel in knots, and LWL is the length of the craft's waterline in feet.

5. Triple-check your answer by plugging in the information on a hull speed calculator, such as the one on sailing USA's website.