What is the upward force of water displaced by the hull called?

The upward force of water displaced by the hull is referred to as buoyant force. This force is a fundamental principle of fluid mechanics known as Archimedes' principle, which states that any object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid that is displaced by the object.

In the context of a boat, as the hull sits in the water, it displaces a volume of water. The weight of this displaced water creates an upward buoyant force that counteracts the weight of the boat itself. This balancing of forces is what allows the boat to float. If the buoyant force is equal to or greater than the weight of the boat, the vessel will remain on the surface; if it is less, the boat will sink. Understanding buoyant force is crucial for boat operations and safety, as it directly affects stability and the overall behavior of the vessel in the water.