Optimization of Hull Shapes for Water-skiing and Wakeboarding

Abstract

This study attempts to define an optimal hull shape for a boat towing either a skier or a wakeboarder. Two methods for determining a free surface deformation (both hull and wake shape) given an applied pressure disturbance are compared. The methods derive from the same potential flow, but vary in how the pressure disturbance is defined; one uses a Fourier type approximation, the other a piecewise constant interpolation. Using the results from the comparison of the two methods, an approach for simulating the wake shape given different hull shapes (via the pressure distribution) is developed. Using this approach the hull shape is optimized based on two wake parameters: height and slope. Examples of this optimization are presented for different towing scenarios. The resulting hulls and wakes are then examined for realism.