You are heading into the sea during rough weather. Having too much weight forward can cause your small boat to __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — plunge into the wave

Excessive weight forward reduces the vessel's reserve buoyancy at the bow. When heading into heavy seas, the bow lacks the lift required to rise over oncoming waves, causing the vessel to plunge into the wave face, potentially leading to green water on deck or structural damage to the forward sections.