All joking aside my father-in-law is both wiry tough and an excellent oarsmen who has caught his share of fish.

In a way Diana's solution to the problem is very mathematical. You can use the water in the bottom of the boat to determine the exact center of gravity, no matter how the weight is distributed. I guess the only question I am left with is where should the center of gravity be?? I know where it feels right and that is slightly front of midships, I'd like to hear a different opinion....