What shape is used for a can buoy?

The shape of a can buoy is cylindrical. This design helps the buoy to remain upright and stable in water, making it easily recognizable to mariners. The cylindrical shape allows the buoy to displace a significant volume of water, which keeps it positioned correctly, even in rough sea conditions.

Additionally, the top of a can buoy is usually flat, which further aids in stability. It's typically marked with a color, such as green, to convey specific navigational information, like indicating the channel's edge on the starboard side when returning from sea.

In contrast, other shapes like triangular or conical do not provide the same level of stability and visibility that the cylindrical form offers, which can make navigation more difficult. Therefore, the cylindrical shape is distinctively utilized for can buoys to enhance their effectiveness and reliability as navigational aids.