A marine surface vessel with at least one recess (56) that intersects the hull (14) substantially beneath the static waterline thereof, the recess (56) bounded by sidehulls (15, 16), flexible seal member (17) at its forward portion, with bow shaped members at its aft portion (19) and optionally therebetween (18). The flexible seal member (17) is to absorb much of the initial wave impact to improve ride quality. The recess (56) is supplied with pressurized gas to maintain a lift-augmenting gas layer under the hull (14), which is to improve efficiency, speed, load carrying capability and ride quality. Bow shaped members (18, 19) and sidehulls (15, 16) are to provide sure tracking and turning characteristics, proper hull attitude and trim even if the pressurized gas supply is wholly or partially inoperative. In the preferred embodiment, the sidehull keels (22, 23) diverge to allow a smaller seal (17) width forward between the sidehulls (15, 16) to reduce gas leakage forward and provide a smoother ride.
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