Originally Posted by jorgeI
32 is certainly reasonable. Problem was, they installed these huge bulges on Midway in her later years and the parasitic drag was significant.


If I recall correctly, the bulges (sponsons) were intended to increase buoyancy as the Midway became heavier with heavier aircraft, heavier equipment modifications, etc. While they did increase buoyancy, they also resulted in the ship becoming less stable in heavy seas and rolling increased.