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Boat Displacement Calculator

Archimedes' Principle:

\[ \text{Displacement} = \text{Weight of Water Displaced} \]

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1. What is Boat Displacement?

Boat displacement refers to the weight of water displaced by a vessel's hull, which according to Archimedes' principle equals the total weight of the boat. This fundamental naval architecture concept determines a vessel's buoyancy and load capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Archimedes' Principle:

\[ \text{Displacement} = \text{Weight of Water Displaced} \]

Where:

Explanation: According to Archimedes' principle, any floating object displaces a volume of fluid whose weight equals the object's own weight.

3. Importance of Displacement Calculation

Details: Accurate displacement calculation is crucial for vessel design, stability analysis, load capacity determination, and ensuring safe operation in various water conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the weight of water displaced in tons, select your preferred output unit (tons or pounds). The weight must be a positive value greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between displacement and tonnage?
A: Displacement measures actual weight, while tonnage refers to volume capacity. Displacement equals the boat's total weight including cargo, fuel, and crew.

Q2: How is water displacement weight measured?
A: Typically calculated by measuring the volume of the submerged hull and multiplying by water density (approximately 1 ton per cubic meter for seawater).

Q3: Why is displacement important for boat design?
A: It determines hull shape requirements, stability characteristics, power needs, and overall vessel performance in different sea conditions.

Q4: Does displacement affect boat speed?
A: Yes, higher displacement generally requires more power to achieve the same speed. The displacement-to-length ratio is a key performance indicator.

Q5: How does cargo affect displacement?
A: Adding cargo increases displacement, which lowers the boat in the water and may affect stability and performance characteristics.

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