What can result in a loss of righting arm at large angles of inclination?

The phenomenon of losing righting arm at large angles of inclination primarily relates to the concept of tumblehome. Tumblehome refers to the inward slope of a vessel's sides near the deck, which alters how the center of buoyancy shifts as the vessel heaves or rolls. As the angle of inclination increases, the shape of the hull plays a crucial role in defining the righting moment.

In vessels with a significant tumblehome, the center of buoyancy may shift towards the centerline of the ship faster than it would in vessels with straight sides. This rapid movement can affect the leverage available to right the ship, reducing the righting arm—the distance between the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy. This reduction in righting arm diminishes the vessel's ability to return to an upright position, making it less stable under heavy heels.

Contextually, while beam width and draft influence stability, neither directly causes a loss of righting arm at large angles. Ballast weight, on the other hand, can help maintain stability but does not inherently relate to the loss of righting arm associated with vessel design, such as tumblehome. Thus, tumblehome is the most significant factor impacting righting arm loss at large angles of inclination.