Secondary stability, also known as reserve stability, is a boat or ship's ability to right itself at large angles of heel (lateral tilt), as opposed to primary or initial stability, the boat's tendency to stay laterally upright when tilted to low (<10°) angles.[1]
The study of initial and secondary stability are part of naval architecture as applied to small watercraft (as distinct from the study of ship stability concerning large ships).
A greater lateral width (beam) and more initial stability decrease the secondary stability- once tilted more than a certain angle the boat is conversely harder to restore to its stable upright position.
Johnson, Shelley (2009). The Complete Sea-Kayakers Handbook, Second Edition. Asbjorn Jokstad. p. 20. ISBN 978-0071748711.
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