When a displacement hull reaches a velocity where its generated wavelength matches its total waterline length, it enters a critical condition known as hull speed. At this point, the ship gets trapped between two wave peaks with a single deep trough in the middle, maximizing wetted surface area and creating peak hydrodynamic resistance.
Because hull speed is mathematically proportional to the square root of a vessel's waterline length, larger ships naturally possess significantly higher theoretical speed limits. For example, a massive 1,132-foot ocean liner reaches its hull speed limit at 45 knots, whereas a small 20-foot pleasure boat hits its maximum displacement efficiency limit at just 6 knots.
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