In addition to considering the total weight of the boat and its contents, boat designers must also consider the distribution of weight. The weight of an outboard motor at the stern of a small boat tends to make the boat sink deeply in the water at that end (to “trim the stern”). If that tendency cannot be offset by placing a similar weight in the bow of the boat, then the offsetting must be obtained by broadening the hull at its aft, or back, end so that a greater part of the displacement occurs near the excess weight.
A balance of weights from side to side must also be arranged. Further, to lessen the danger of capsizing, the combined center of gravity of all weights must be sufficiently low in the boat. If other factors make it necessary that the center of gravity be high, then the chance of capsizing must be offset by increasing the width of the hull.
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