Objective  In this paper, the hydrostatic resistance of a planing craft is studied using the high-precision numerical simulation method to improve the numerical prediction accuracy.

  Methods  The three-dimensional viscous flow field of a planing craft in calm water is numerically simulated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method combined with the Savitsky method and overset grid technique, and the flow field characteristics of the craft under different load coefficients and speeds are analyzed.

  Results  The calculated results of the resistance, sinkage and trim angle of the planing craft are in good agreement with the experimental results, and the spray phenomenon and distribution of water and air on the bottom of the craft are simulated normally, which shows that this method can accurately and effectively predict the resistance performance of planing craft. With the increase in the load coefficient, the peak value of the pressure coefficient on the keel increases, and the position of the pressure center moves forward. With the increase in speed, the peak value of the pressure coefficient on the keel decreases, the position of the pressure center gradually moves towards the stern, the angle between the stagnation line and the longitudinal section in the center plane decreases, the depth of the cavity behind the transom decreases, and the length of the cavity increases.

  Conclusions  This study provides an accurate and effective numerical calculation method for the resistance prediction of planing craft, and can provide technical support for the numerical study of the hydrodynamic performance of such craft.