As a boat moves through the water it creates a bow wave. The wavelength (ie crest to crest) of the bow wave increases with boat speed. Once the wavelength of

As a boat moves through the water it creates a bow wave. The wavelength (ie crest to crest) of the bow wave increases with boat speed. Once the wavelength of the bow wave equals the hull length, the boat will start climbing the front of the bow wave and will be sailing up hill. Unless you've got a lot of power and can climb on top of the bow wave and plane, this is the maximum hull speed.