flatbottom

Flatbottom refers to a hull design in which the bottom is flat along most or all of the vessel’s length, often paired with relatively vertical sides and sharp chines. This form creates a boxy, low-profile hull that emphasizes interior space and a shallow draft. Flatbottom designs are used across small boats, workcraft, and some recreational craft, particularly in calm, shallow-water environments such as rivers, lakes, and canals.

Construction and design features: Flatbottom hulls can be built from wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. The defining characteristic is a flat or nearly flat bottom surface, sometimes transitioning to a slightly angled floor at the bilges. The design yields a wide beam for a given length, contributing to cargo capacity and stability at rest. Because of its simple geometry, the flatbottom hull is relatively easy to construct and repair, making it common in inexpensive or utilitarian boats. Variants include jon boats and scow-style workboats, both popular for shallow-water work.

Performance and limitations: The flatbottom hull offers very shallow draft and good initial stability, which makes it well suited to fishing, utility work, and passenger transport in shallow waters. However, it tends to suffer in chop and rough conditions, with poorer tracking and less comfortable handling at higher speeds. The hull can experience pounding in waves and reduced directional stability compared with V-shaped or rounded hulls.

History and usages: Flatbottom hulls have long been associated with shallow-water work. In the 19th century, flatboats and similar vessels on American rivers maximized cargo space and navigability in shallow channels. Today, flatbottom designs remain common in small recreational and work boats, including aluminum jon boats and flat-bottom barges, where low draft and straightforward construction are valued.