Question 4495 Deck General

The correct answer is B) leg strength. The requirement to lower the legs of the COASTAL DRILLER to 60.5 feet below the hull is primarily to ensure the leg strength can withstand the expected high winds of over 70 knots. The extended leg depth provides the necessary structural integrity and stability for the unit to safely operate in the expected environmental conditions. The other options are incorrect because they do not directly address the need to ensure the leg strength can handle the environmental load from the high winds. The variable load and load line requirements would be secondary considerations, while the environmental load is the primary driver for the specified leg depth in this scenario.