Flat-bottom boats
The one thing you can say about flat-bottom boats is that with their large bottom area, the boat is very stable in calm weather. Characteristically, however, the flat, broad bow area creates a rough ride. These boats are usually limited to low horsepower motors because they don't handle well at high speed. Flat-bottom boats are greatly suited for fishing in skinny water from the Susquehanna River to the Florida Keys, where a very shallow draft is a must.
Early in our nautical history, boats were powered by wind or by hand-stroked oars. Early boat designers found that boats went faster, and were easier to steer, if the bow was pointed. They also soon discovered that by lowering the center of gravity, the high sail masts had better balance, and usually kept the boat upright even in bad weather.