A retractable-airfoil vessel has surface-effect wings (1) that are hinged or otherwise attached extendedly to a vessel (3). The surface-effect wings are extendable to a use mode in proximity to a surface of water (5) at sides (2) of the vessel for surface-effect lift of the vessel at elevated speeds. At low speeds when pleasure cruising or fishing, when stopped for water activities or when adjusting to rough waters and storm conditions, the surface-effect wings can provide wide-area buoyance on water at sides of a center of gravity of the vessel. The best of all worlds, it can be made to ride-out a storm as safely and securely as an anchored buoy and yet have high-speed efficiency, low-speed pleasure cruising and stopping for swimming and marine exploration. Then for docking in vessel slips and for maneuvering in close proximity to docks and harbor structures, the surface-effect wings can be retracted onto the vessel in a non-use mode for non-interference storage and for docked-living shelter.