BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Round-Bottom: Typical to sailboats and canoes, round-bottom hulls are less stable and tend to ‘roll’ in waves. You should be very cautious when loading, entering or exiting a round-bottom boat as it may roll easily.

Flat-Bottom: Boats with this hull type are designed for slow speeds and calm water. Flat-bottom boats tend to be less stable than other hull types in rough water.

Deep ‘V’ Bottom: This is the  most common type of powerboat hull. This hull type allows boats to move through rough water at higher speeds and they provide a smoother ride than other hull types.

Multi-Chine Hull: Boats that feature a multi-chine hull, such as catamarans, are very stable on the water but can be more difficult to maneuver.