What is the term for a boat’s ability to remain upright?

The term that defines a boat's ability to remain upright is stability. Stability refers to the boat's design and how it distributes its weight, which affects its ability to resist tipping or capsizing in rough water or winds. A stable boat will return to an upright position after leaning or being tilted by waves, ensuring the safety of those onboard.

Buoyancy, while related, specifically refers to the upward force that allows a boat to float in water, rather than its ability to remain upright. Flotation describes the act of floating itself and does not encompass the concept of maintaining an upright position. Draft refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull (keel or bottom of the boat), which impacts a boat's depth in the water but doesn't address stability directly.