Motorboat Types
Motorboats are mainly distinguished by the shape of their hull and the resulting handling. The decisive question is whether the boat moves through the water as a displacement craft or, at high speed, glides on top of the water.
Displacement Boat
A displacement boat pushes aside, while moving, a quantity of water equal to its weight. Its maximum speed is limited by the hull speed and depends on the waterline length.
Displacement boats are economical, quiet, and seaworthy. Typical representatives are steel yachts, classic motorboats, and trawlers.
Semi-Displacement Boat
The semi-displacement boat is a transitional type. At low rpm it runs as a displacement boat; at higher rpm the bow lifts without the boat fully reaching planing mode. Semi-displacement boats are widespread but require considerable power and consume correspondingly more fuel.
Planing Boat
A planing boat lifts itself out of the water at sufficient speed and glides on its flat aft section over the surface. This greatly reduces water resistance and allows high speeds.
Planing boats usually have a V-shaped forward section and a flat aft section. Typical representatives are sport boats, water-ski boats, and racing boats.
Yacht and Cabin Boat
Motor yachts and cabin boats are larger motorboats with accommodation. They have cabins, a galley, and a head, and are designed for longer trips and overnight stays on board. Depending on the hull form they run as displacement or semi-displacement boats.
Sport Boat
Sport boats are smaller, open or half-open planing boats with strong engines. They are used for water-skiing and wakeboarding or as fast day-tour boats.
Inflatable and RIB
The inflatable consists of a tube-shaped buoyancy body. With a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) the tube is combined with a solid hull of plastic or aluminium. Inflatables are light, transportable, and well suited as tenders or rescue boats.