Your vessel displaces 684 tons and measures 132'L by 31'B. What is the reduction in GM due to free surface if the fish hold (32'L by 29'B by 9'D) is filled with 2 feet of water? (Each foot of water weighs 26.5 tons)

Correct Answer: Option C — 2.52 feet

Free surface moments reduce the intact transverse stability of floating craft. By evaluating the hold geometry and vessel displacement through standard stability equations, the resulting virtual loss in metacentric height is calculated as 2.52 feet.