What does the "rule of 12" for small boats help determine?

The "rule of 12" for small boats primarily helps determine how a boat reacts to waves in rough water conditions. This concept is crucial for boaters as it provides a guideline for understanding how boats will handle varying sea states, particularly as wave height increases. The rule indicates that for every foot of wave height, an additional foot of freeboard is needed to maintain stability and safety. Therefore, when anticipating the behavior of a small boat in adverse conditions, the rule of 12 assists in making informed decisions regarding navigation, speed, and safety measures.

While the other options may relate to boating practices, they do not directly connect to the specific intent of the "rule of 12," which focuses on wave interaction and stability rather than speed limits, docking times, or fuel calculations.