Home
Back
Water Displacement Formula:
| From: | To: |
Water displacement refers to the weight of water displaced by a boat's hull when it is floating. It represents the actual weight of the boat and everything on board, and is a fundamental principle in naval architecture based on Archimedes' principle.
The calculator uses the displacement formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation determines how much water volume the boat displaces based on its total weight and the density of the water it's floating in.
Details: Accurate displacement calculation is crucial for determining a boat's stability, load capacity, draft, and overall performance characteristics in different water conditions.
Tips: Enter the total weight in pounds and water density in pounds per cubic foot. Fresh water density is typically 62.4 lb/ft³, while salt water is about 64 lb/ft³.
Q1: What is the difference between displacement and weight?
A: Displacement refers to the weight of water displaced by the boat, which equals the total weight of the boat according to Archimedes' principle.
Q2: Why does water density matter?
A: Boats float higher in salt water than fresh water because salt water is denser, meaning less volume needs to be displaced to support the same weight.
Q3: How do I find my boat's total weight?
A: Total weight includes the hull, engine, fuel, water, supplies, passengers, and all equipment on board. Manufacturer specifications provide base weight.
Q4: What is displacement hull vs planing hull?
A: Displacement hulls push through water and are limited by hull speed, while planing hulls can rise and skim on top of the water at higher speeds.
Q5: How does displacement affect boat performance?
A: Higher displacement generally means more stability but slower speed and greater fuel consumption. Proper displacement calculation ensures safe loading.