Which position is most exposed when a vessel is broached?

When a vessel is broached, it is typically impacted on its beam, which is the wide side of the boat. This position is most exposed during a broaching situation, as the vessel is turning sideways to the waves and wind, creating a situation where the lateral stability is compromised.

When a boat broaches, especially in heavy seas, it can be thrown on its beam due to a combination of wind and wave action that catches the boat at an angle. This can lead to the risk of capsizing if the forces acting on the broadside are too great. Therefore, the beam is the critical area needing strategic navigation and careful management to avoid a loss of control.

In contrast, the bow (front) and stern (rear) might face waves and wind at different angles but are less vulnerable to the lateral forces that occur during a broach. The hull itself encompasses the entire structure of the boat, but when considering exposure in the context of broaching, the beam is specifically highlighted due to the risks associated with turning sideways to the oncoming elements.