A motorboat built so that most of the hull lifts out of the water when in motion. This allows for less drag and greater velocities as it skims the water's surface .

The sport of hydroplane racing entered its modern era after World War II when the huge supply of converted aircraft and other types of power plants developed for the war effort became available for public consumption.

The current speed record is 173 MPH, set by the Lycoming turbine-powered Miss Budweiser.

Hy"dro*plane (?), n. [Pref. hydro- (1.) + plane.]

1.

A plane, or any of a number of planes, projecting from the hull of a submarine boat, which by being elevated or depressed cause the boat, when going ahead, to sink or rise, after the manner of an aëroplane.

2.

A projecting plane or fin on a gliding boat to lift the moving boat on top of the water; also, a gliding boat.

© Webster 1913.

Hy"dro*plane, v. i.

Of a boat, to plane (see Plane).

© Webster 1913.