Most ships have V-shaped hulls rather than flat bottoms because the V-shape allows them to move through water more efficiently. The angled shape pushes water out and creates lift, raising the ship up slightly to reduce drag. This wave effect enables faster speeds.

In contrast, flat hulls create a lot of drag and friction against the water, slowing ships down. The V-shape also helps stabilize ships in rough water, preventing rolling motions.

However, V-shaped hulls are more expensive to build and take up interior space. They’re also less stable in shallow waters. The best hull design depends on a ship’s specific purpose. But for most deep sea vessels, the V-shape offers performance advantages that outweigh the downsides.