When is a boat more likely to be less stable?

A boat is more likely to be less stable when it is overloaded because stability is directly related to how the weight is distributed and the overall weight a boat is designed to carry. Each boat has a specified maximum load capacity, which includes both the weight of the vessel itself and any additional cargo, passengers, or equipment on board.

When a boat is overloaded, it can cause the center of gravity to rise, making it more prone to tipping or rolling in the water. Additionally, an overloaded boat may sit lower in the water, reducing its freeboard, which is the distance between the waterline and the top of the deck. This can lead to less stability, as the boat becomes more susceptible to waves and wind effects.

In contrast, calm waters provide a more stable environment regardless of the loading, strong winds can make a boat feel less stable but are ultimately manageable within design limits, and leaving the dock typically occurs in more controlled circumstances that don't inherently affect stability.