I'm not sure if there is a clear definition for secondary stability. I consider secondary stability to be the highest point on the stability curve. This is where the righting arm starts to decrease. Final stability is the point at which the righting arm goes to zero. If you are going over you have exceeded the final stability.

The secondary stability point has two dimensions: the magnetude of the righting arm and the angle at which the magnetude is greatest.

>

> Well, ya gotta practice those wet exits, especially with the
> kids!

> Note the skillful way in which I used my left arm to hold the
> boat up by placing my hand on the surface of the water.

> Note also how high the boat sits when floating on it's side,
> it is actually pretty hard to tip over (would that be initial stability
> or secondary stability?)

> P.