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Objects will float if they are less dense than water. Density depends not only on the weight of the object, but its volume. By making boats hollow, although they weigh several tons their density is less than that of water so that they float. However, if a boat capsizes or starts to leak, water can replace the hollow interior and then its density will increase until it is more than the water and then it will sink.

To assist with loading cargo, the maximum amount which varies with the sea (cold, salty seawater is more dense than warm, fresh (not salty) seawater), ships have to have a Plimsoll line which has markings for the various types of seawater. If overloaded, a ship risks sinking if it sails from a denser sea to a not so dense sea. The denser the sea, the higher the ship will sit in the water for the same load.

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Q: How can boats float if they weigh hundreds of thousands of pounds?
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