What is the characteristic of planing mode for a vessel?

The characteristic of planing mode for a vessel involves gliding above the water's surface with sufficient power. This occurs when a boat reaches a speed where its hull generates enough lift to rise out of the water, reducing drag and allowing for faster movement. In planing mode, the hull skims across the water instead of pushing through it, which is more efficient and enhances speed. This mode is typically seen in smaller, more powerful boats designed for higher speeds, such as motorboats and some types of personal watercraft.

In contrast, floating at low speeds would describe a displacement mode where the vessel stays submerged and moves more sluggishly through water, while moving slowly and cutting through the water refers to another type of operation where the vessel is not yet planing. Sailing against the current does not pertain directly to planing mode but rather to how a vessel maneuvers in relation to water movement.