Flatbottomed

Flatbottomed refers to a hull form that has a flat or nearly flat bottom across most of its length. This shape contrasts with rounded, V-shaped, or deeply keeled hulls. Flatbottomed hulls are common in a range of watercraft, from small recreational boats and workboats to inland cargo vessels. They are particularly associated with shallow-water use because the flat bottom allows a shallow draft and easy loading in rivers and canals.

Design and construction: A flat bottom can be formed by simple planking or sheet materials with minimal curvature. Some hulls are truly flat along the bottom, while others use a slight deadrise or multiple panels (multi-chine) to improve stability and load distribution. Wide beam and sometimes low freeboard are typical for stability and decking space, and trim or ballast can adjust the vessel’s stability.

Performance and handling: The flat bottom provides good initial stability at rest and enables navigation in very shallow water. It also yields a large usable deck area and relatively simple construction. Drawbacks include poorer seakeeping in rough water, tendency to pound against waves, higher hull resistance at speed, and less efficient tracking compared with deeper V-hulls. Grounding risk can be higher on uneven or soft bottoms.

History and usage: Flatbottomed hulls have a long history in inland water transport. In North America, flatboats, jon boats, skiffs, and scows dominated river trade and coastal work where shallow channels and dredged harbors were common. Today, flatbottomed designs persist in barges, some workboats, and certain recreational craft where shallow water, stability, and simplicity are valued.