Which term is used to refer to the average position of weight in the ship's design?

The term that refers to the average position of weight in a ship's design is "amidships." This term is crucial in naval architecture as it denotes the central portion of the vessel where the weight is balanced, affecting the stability and overall performance of the ship. When weight is evenly distributed around the amidships point, it helps maintain equilibrium and minimizes the risk of capsizing or excessive rolling.

In contrast, the keel is the central structural basis of the ship, running along the bottom from bow to stern, providing structural integrity but not specifically addressing weight distribution. Beam refers to the width of the ship at its widest point, which contributes to stability but does not directly indicate the average position of weight. The hull is the body of the ship that provides the buoyancy necessary to float, but it is a broader term and does not pinpoint the average weight distribution within the ship.