3503. The barge shown in the illustration is 40' X 20' X 10' and weighs 22.8 long tons when empty. What would be the maximum amount of cargo that may be loaded on the barge in salt water so that the maximum draft does not exceed 8 feet

The maximum cargo that can be loaded is determined by the barge's displacement at a draft of 8 feet, minus the barge's empty weight. Calculating the displacement at 8 feet yields approximately 183 long tons, and subtracting the 22.8 long ton empty weight results in a maximum cargo capacity of 160 long tons.