What is a disadvantage of a flat-bottom hull?

A flat-bottom hull is designed for stability and shallow water navigation, but one notable disadvantage is that it tends to ride roughly in choppy waters. This is because the flat bottom does not effectively cut through waves, leading to a bumpy experience as the boat is more affected by the surface conditions. As waves and chop are encountered, the flat hull can pound against the water rather than glide over it, making for an uncomfortable ride.

In contrast, other designs like a V-shaped hull are better suited for choppy conditions as they can slice through waves more effectively, providing a smoother ride. Therefore, while flat-bottom hulls are excellent for calm, shallow environments, they struggle in variable water conditions, making rough rides a significant drawback.