Knowing how to reduce drag on a boat can make your experience on the water exponentially better. These tips will get you started.
For those who like to spend time cruising out on the water, performance is a must. Better handling, better efficiency—it’s a nearly endless quest that seafarers struggle to achieve over the years. Perhaps one of the most important factors (though, of course, not the only one) to consider when pursuing optimal performance?
Drag.
To put it in technical terms, drag is the opposing force of the water—composed of the pressure and shear forces of the water—on your boat’s hull. Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce the drag on your boat.
How to Reduce Drag on a Boat
1. Reduce the weight of your boat.
2. Balance your boat’s load.
3. Check your hull for damage.
4. Install a hydrofoil.
1. Reduce the weight of your boat.
It’s only logical—the less your craft weighs, the higher it will sit on the water, which can lower the amount of drag you experience. Reducing the weight of your craft reduces the pressure that it places on the water. Less weight means less surface area for the water to push against.
You might be surprised by the amount of unnecessary equipment you keep in your boat. Want to learn how to reduce drag on a boat you are operating? Go through your equipment to see if you can get rid of any of it.
2. Balance your boat’s load.
Once you have narrowed your equipment selection to only the bare essentials, it’s time to properly balance your watercraft. Try to store equipment evenly on either side of the boat. In most cases, storing heavier equipment as far aft as possible is best. You should rebalance your equipment as necessary, depending on the number and position of your passengers.
3. Check your hull for damage.
The shape and condition of your hull is a major factor in the amount of drag you experience on the water. For that reason, it is critical to inspect it when you remove your boat from the water for storage or repairs. Abrasions and warping often increase drag forces.
4. Install a hydrofoil.
As stated earlier, the higher your boat sits on the water, the less drag you will experience. Installing a hydrofoil can increase lift to improve performance and efficiency, not to mention increase fuel efficiency. Because of the hydrodynamics involved, your boat will get onto plane faster and stay on plane at lower speeds, both of which reduce the overall drag your boat experiences.
Want to learn how to reduce drag on a boat you own? See fast results with a Hydro-Shield.
Now that you know a few ways to reduce drag on your boat, give them a try. For more information on our skeg-mounted hydrofoil, read about the benefits of installing a Hydro-Shield.
Ready to buy yours? Purchase one online or find a store near you.