The COASTAL DRILLER, in transit with winds expected to exceed 70 knots, must lower the legs to 60.5 feet below the hull in order to meet the requirements for leg strength and __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — stability

Lowering the hull-borne legs during severe weather reduces the effective windage profile and lowers the center of gravity. This operational procedure complies with MODU operating manual requirements to maintain adequate stability limits when encountering high wind speeds.