A tunnel hull is a type of boat hull that uses two typically planing hulls with a solid centre that traps air. This entrapment then creates aerodynamic lift in addition to the planing (hydrodynamic) lift from the hulls. Many times this is attributed to
ground effect. Theoretical research and full-scale testing of tunnel hulls has demonstrated the dramatic contributions of 'close-proximity ground effect' on enhanced aerodynamic lift/drag in operation of performance tunnel hull designs.
["Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design", JDRussell,P.Eng. ()]
Tunnel hulls are distinguishable from other
catamarans by the typical close hull spacing and solid deck in between the hulls.
Formula 1 powerboats have a tunnel hull catamaran design allowing them to go faster. Tunnel hulls are a common design in
offshore powerboat racing
Offshore powerboat racing is a type of racing by ocean-going powerboats, typically point-to-point racing.
In most of the world, offshore powerboat racing is led by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) regulated Class 1 and Powerboat P1. ...
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References
See also
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Cathedral hull
A cathedral hull is a hull shape used in modern boats, usually power-driven. It has sponsons which extend almost as far forward as the main hull. The airspace between the hulls may be very small or nonexistent.
Depending on the proportions of ...
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Hickman sea sled
The Hickman Sea Sled is an inverted vee planing hull invented by Albert Hickman. The Sea Sled is a direct forerunner of the modern high speed catamaran or tunnel hull. The reduced friction is due to a "trapped" gas film between the hull surfac ...
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Boston Whaler
Boston Whaler is an American boat manufacturer. It is a subsidiary of the Brunswick Boat Group, a division of the Brunswick Corporation. Boston Whalers were originally produced in Massachusetts, hence the name, but today are manufactured in Edge ...
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Supercavitation propeller
{{no footnotes, date=November 2016
The supercavitating propeller is a variant of a propeller for propulsion in water, where supercavitation is actively employed to gain increased speed by reducing friction. They are being used for military purpo ...
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Offshore Powerboat Racing
Offshore powerboat racing is a type of racing by ocean-going powerboats, typically point-to-point racing.
In most of the world, offshore powerboat racing is led by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) regulated Class 1 and Powerboat P1. ...
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Shipbuilding