The heavier the boat and the more underbody area, the less tendency to sway. Boats with high directional stability tend to yaw less. These design characteristics affect a boat's motion at sea. Hull midship section. Displacement is the boat's all-tip weight.
Lateral plane is the underwater profile's area.
A boat with generous lateral plane and heavier displacement gives a more comfortable ride. This article was found in the SAIL 1997 Sailboat Buyers Guide .