What could be a consequence of a high center of gravity?

A high center of gravity can significantly impact a vessel’s stability by increasing the likelihood of capsizing. When a vessel has a high center of gravity, it means that its mass is distributed higher above the waterline, which can lead to reduced stability. Stability in a maritime context relies heavily on the position of the vessel's center of gravity relative to its center of buoyancy.

When the center of gravity is elevated, the righting arm—the lever arm that acts to restore the vessel back to an upright position after it has heeled over—becomes shorter. This reduced righting arm means the vessel may not right itself effectively in the event of heeling due to waves, wind, or maneuvers, leading to a greater risk of capsizing.

In contrast, improved stability, lower operational costs, and enhanced cargo capacity are not typically associated with a high center of gravity. A lower center of gravity tends to improve stability, operational costs are influenced by many factors unrelated to the height of the center of gravity, and increased cargo capacity doesn't inherently correlate with the elevation of the center of gravity; rather, it usually requires careful balance to maintain stability.