Initial stability

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Initial stability is the resistance of a boat to small changes in the difference
between the vertical forces applied on its two sides. It is determined by the a
ngle of tilting on each side of the boat as its center of gravity (CG) moves sid
eways as a result of the passengers or cargo moving laterally, or as a response
to an external force (e.g. wave).
The wider the boat and the further its volume is distributed away from its cente
r line (CL), the greater the initial stability.
Wide mono-hull small boats such as the jonsboat have a great deal of initial sta
bility and allow the occupants to stand upright to engage in fishing activities,
and so do narrower small boats such as W-kayaks that feature a twin hull.
Very narrow mono-hull boats such as canoes and kayaks have little initial stabil
ity, but twin-hull W-kayaks are considerably stabler due to the fact that their
buoyancy is distributed at a greater distance from their center line and therefo
re acts more effectively to reduce tilting. It is advantageous to keep the centr
e of gravity as low as possible in small boats so occupants generally sit down a
t all times. Flatwater rowing shells, which have length to beam ratios of up to
30:1 are inherently unstable and must be actively balanced by the athletes.
After approximately 10 degrees of lateral tilt hull shape gains importance and s
econdary stability becomes the dominant consideration in boat stability.
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nd removed. (January 2008)
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