How does the center of buoyancy (B) change as a vessel heels?

The center of buoyancy (B) is the point through which the buoyant force, or the upward force exerted by the water, acts on a submerged or floating object, such as a vessel. As a vessel heels, which means it tilts to one side, the distribution of submerged volume changes.

When the vessel heels, the submerged volume of the hull on the low side increases while the submerged volume on the high side decreases. This causes the center of buoyancy to shift towards the side that is submerged more, which is also the lower side of the vessel. This shift toward the submerged side plays a critical role in determining the stability of the vessel. As the center of buoyancy moves, it affects the righting arm (the distance between the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy), which influences how effectively the vessel can return to an upright position.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for maintaining stability at sea, as a stable vessel relies on a proper relationship between the center of buoyancy and the center of gravity. If the center of buoyancy and the center of gravity are not aligned appropriately, it can lead to decreased stability and an increased risk of capsizing.