How do displacement hulls operate in water?

Displacement hulls operate by pushing water aside as they move through it. This design allows them to displace a significant amount of water, creating a buoyant force that keeps the vessel afloat. The shape of the hull is typically broader and more rounded, enabling it to displace water efficiently. Unlike planing hulls, which skim along the surface and require a certain speed to achieve lift, displacement hulls are optimized for stability and performance at lower speeds, making them ideal for larger vessels and ones intended for journeys where comfort and load-bearing capability are important.

The other options do not accurately describe the operation of displacement hulls. Riding on top of the water is characteristic of planing hulls, while cutting through the water refers more to the action of certain types of hulls designed for speed. Skimming along the surface, likewise, is associated with planing rather than displacement, which relies on water displacement rather than surface movement alone.