apart from the girth measurements, all measurements were basically point measurements. this meant that the hull was often locally distorted to maximise or minimise a measurement locally, with minimal effect to the surrounding hull. this gave a characteristic "bumped" look to many boats, particularly at the point of maximum beam and in the stern. also, as stability was only measured at very low heel angles (less than 5 degrees), boats were designed with a very narrow waterline and low stability in measurement trim, but a hull form that gained stability with the weight of the crew and other equipment, and with increasing angles of heel. low stability was encouraged (up to a point) because the initial assumption was that low stability indicated a well fitted out interior, and so more of a cruising boat than a stripped out racer.