What occurs as a result of squat in shallow water?

In shallow water, squat refers to the phenomenon where a vessel's stern sinks deeper into the water due to the interaction of the hull with the bottom and the surrounding water. As a consequence of this effect, reduced maneuverability becomes a significant concern. When a vessel experiences squat, it can affect its ability to turn or respond to steering commands effectively. The deeper the stern sits in the water, the more it can limit the agility of the vessel, making it harder to navigate through tight spaces or to change course quickly.

While increased drag and vessel stability can be considerations in different contexts, they are not direct outcomes of squat in shallow water. Increased speed does not occur as a result of squat; generally, squat can lead to a decrease in speed due to the increased resistance faced by the vessel. Thus, the phenomenon of squat primarily impacts maneuverability, which is why that option is the most accurate response.