Your vessel displaces 696 tons and measures 135'L by 34'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 2.0 feet of water? (Each foot of water weighs 26.5 tons)

Correct Answer: Option D — 2.48 feet

Free surface effect reduces effective GM by the formula GG' = (l * b^3 * i) / (12 * Displacement). Applying the tank dimensions and displacement yields a reduction of 2.48 feet, which directly decreases the vessel's initial transverse stability per standard stability calculation methods outlined in maritime engineering principles.