What I find amazing about this story is the total lack of intuition.
Apparently, the boat they started with was just fine. Then they 'improved' it by lengthening, adding superstructure, etc. Honestly, I don't think it would take much of a leap to say "okay, the boat floats now, what would happen if we added another 5 tons or so?" Wouldn't take an NA to come up to the initial conclusion that more analysis is needed.
I'm currently working on my first designed-by-me vessel. However, the list of professionals whom I'm leaning on is fairly substantial and I still don't feel comfortable enough to say that she's well found. If the boat ever advanced beyond my wildest dreams and into production, you can bet I'd have a few dozen qualified eyes looking at it before the first disposable paint brush is purchased.
As it stands, this boat is a learning exercise. Who knows, as one of the guys I'm working with said, "after all this work, you may be qualified to design the settee cushions."