What often causes boats to capsize?

Overloading and improper boat handling are significant factors that can lead to a boat capsizing. When a boat is overloaded, it exceeds its design capacity, which compromises its stability and buoyancy. This additional weight can impact how the boat sits in the water, making it more susceptible to tipping over, especially in rough or choppy waters.

Improper boat handling also plays a crucial role in capsizing incidents. For instance, making sharp turns or sudden movements can shift the center of gravity or create lateral forces that exceed the boat's stability limit. Effective boat handling requires understanding the dynamics of how a boat moves in water and making careful adjustments to maintain stability.

In contrast, while bad weather can contribute to dangerous conditions, it’s often the combination of bad weather with overloading or improper handling that results in capsizing. A lack of safety equipment and excessive speed while turning are relevant factors but do not directly address the core issue of stability related to weight and handling. Understanding how to manage a boat’s capacity and maneuvering techniques is essential for preventing capsizing incidents.