Which design feature influences a boat's stability by determining how deep it sits in the water?

The design feature that influences a boat's stability by determining how deep it sits in the water is draft. Draft refers to the vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of the hull (keel) of the boat. This measurement is essential because it directly affects how much of the boat is submerged, which in turn plays a significant role in the vessel's overall stability. A boat with a greater draft will typically have more submerged hull area, contributing to a lower center of gravity, which enhances stability.

In contrast, other choices do not serve the same function concerning water submersion and stability. Freeboard refers to the distance from the waterline to the top of the hull, which affects how much seawater can potentially come over the sides but does not directly influence how deep the boat sits in the water. Trim relates to the distribution of weight along the length of the boat, affecting its fore-and-aft balance rather than how deep it is in the water. Displacement refers to the total weight of water displaced by the volume of the submerged portion of the hull, which is related to buoyancy rather than directly determining how deep the boat sits.