What does GZ represent in regards to stability?

GZ represents the righting arm at any angle of heel, which is a critical factor in assessing the stability of a vessel. The righting arm is the horizontal distance between the center of gravity (G) and the center of buoyancy (Z) when a ship is heeled over. This distance determines how effectively a vessel can return to an upright position after being tilted by external forces such as wind or waves.

When a vessel heels, the center of buoyancy shifts, creating a righting moment that helps the ship recover from the heeled position. The larger the righting arm (GZ), the greater the stability; therefore, GZ is essential for understanding how stable a ship will be in various sea conditions and angles of heel. This concept is fundamental in naval architecture and marine operations to ensure vessel safety and performance.

The other choices pertain to different aspects of a vessel's characteristics but do not accurately define GZ. Weight distribution affects the position of the center of gravity but does not direct refer to GZ. The depth of the hull and the draft relate to how submerged the vessel is, which impacts overall buoyancy and stability but are not synonymous with the definition of GZ.