What is a quick method to check boat balance when docked?

• A. Have rowers sit mid-boat and observe for even tilt.
• B. Inspect hull color.
• C. Check the boat's speedometer.
• D. Listen for creaks.

Answer: (A)

Balancing a shell is about weight distribution and how the boat sits in the water. When docked, having rowers sit near the middle lets you see the boat’s trim quickly: if it tilts noticeably to one side while the crew is centered, the weight isn’t evenly distributed and you need to adjust seating or gear until it sits level. This quick, visual check is reliable because it directly reveals any imbalance. Hull color, a speedometer, or listening for creaks don’t indicate balance and aren’t useful for this purpose.