1. What is Boat Displacement?

Boat displacement refers to the weight of the water displaced by a vessel's hull when it is floating. According to Archimedes' principle, this equals the total weight of the boat including its cargo, fuel, and equipment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the displacement formula:

Where:

• \( Disp \) — Displacement weight (lbs)
• \( V_{sub} \) — Submerged volume of the hull (ft³)
• \( \rho \) — Water density (lb/ft³)

Explanation: The formula calculates the weight of water displaced by the boat's submerged portion, which equals the boat's total weight.

3. Importance of Displacement Calculation

Details: Accurate displacement calculation is crucial for determining a boat's stability, load capacity, and performance characteristics. It helps ensure the vessel operates safely within its design limits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the submerged volume in cubic feet and water density in pounds per cubic foot. Fresh water density is typically 62.4 lb/ft³, while salt water is about 64.0 lb/ft³.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between displacement and weight?
A: Displacement is the weight of water displaced by the boat, which equals the total weight of the boat according to Archimedes' principle.

Q2: How do I measure submerged volume?
A: Submerged volume can be calculated from hull dimensions or measured through displacement tests in a controlled environment.

Q3: Why does water density matter?
A: Boats float higher in salt water than fresh water because salt water is denser, displacing less volume for the same weight.

Q4: What is displacement-length ratio?
A: This ratio compares displacement to length, indicating whether a boat is heavy or light for its size, affecting performance.

Q5: How does displacement affect boat performance?
A: Heavier displacement boats generally have more stability but slower acceleration, while lighter boats are faster but less stable.