The beam of a vessel refers to the __________________.

The beam of a vessel is defined as the width of the vessel at its widest point. This measurement is crucial for stability and handling, as it directly impacts how a boat behaves in the water. A wider beam generally offers more stability, making the vessel less likely to capsize in rough conditions. It also affects the design and construction of the boat, including the amount of space available for passengers and equipment on board.

Other options, while related to vessel dimensions or characteristics, do not accurately describe the beam. The depth between decks refers to the vertical space within the vessel, the internal cubic capacity indicates how much space is available inside for storage, and the molded depth refers to the vertical measurement from the bottom of the hull to the deck line. None of these define the width of the vessel, which is specifically what the beam indicates.