Boat Loading

[Captain Savvy]

Is the loading of a boat in regard to distance from the Center of Gravity (Arm) and the weight forward or aft critical to the flotation characteristics of a boat as it is with an Aircraft? Is it possible to put to much weight (Provisions) in the fore cabin storage areas?
Regards to All...

 

[psneeld]

it should not bean abrupt loss of controllability but a gradual loss that initially starts as a very undesirable steering characteristic.

you will feel the onset as hard to steer but probably not dangerous unless n large breaking seas.

 

[FlyWright]

I agree with psneeld...too much weight fwd can cause a loss in steering responsiveness and a tendency to plow or bury into head seas. I imagine a key cause of that might be too much chain on a bow and a plowing bow on boats with less flotation than others.

The other day as I was walking around my boat before driving home from a 4 day boat trip, I looked at the boot stripe and noticed my stern is riding a bit higher than normal. Normally she sits and runs very level. Since I've got less than half fuel and about 3/4 water, it's showing at rest. Not a big deal though....just an observation.