Small boat operators, builders, buyers, accident investigators, and others may be required to determine an accurate lightweight and center of gravity for their boat in order to apply stability criteria or perform other analyses. The conventional in-water stability test can be difficult to perform accurately on a small boat, so an air inclining stability test may be specified. This guide is prepared to help standardize and explain the process for an air inclining test. This guide provides the marine industry with an understanding of an Air-Inclining stability test for a small boat. It contains procedures to ensure that valid results are obtained with precision at a minimal cost to owners, shipyards, and the government.
The guide is not intended to direct a person(s) in the actual calculations of the lightweight and centers of gravity, but to be a guide to the recommended procedures required to gather accurate data for use in the calculation of the lightweight characteristics. A complete understanding and documentation of proper procedures to conduct a stability test is paramount to confirm that the results gathered during the test can be examined for accuracy, especially by third parties subsequently reviewing the data.
This guide is recommended to be used for all small boat capable of being lifted safely with forward and aft pick points capable of supporting additional inclining weights to be used for the stability test or with suitable sling arrangements