Reality Check and Advice for Young Engineer

PDW, the lower image is the shoal version of Discrete and an inboard is possible, though it'll have to be offset to clear the case. A slightly deeper draft version of this same boat, that doesn't have the centerboard would be the more logical choice, if an inboard was desired. It's just tough getting an inboard in a 15' LWL boat with a centerboard.

Seaworthiness is a very complex subject, having as much to do with skipper and crew skill and decision making as the yacht design. Some very broad assumptions can be made about CG locations, etc., but these are just very broad truisms and not necessarily a speed trade off. Discrete has a 139 degrees of positive righting stability, which doesn't affect her ability to attain her max speed.

 

Yeah, I can see that just from the sectional drawing. There isn't a lot of room. A bit more draft probably wouldn't matter where I am.

I'd probably put in a horizontal prop shaft with its own thrust bearing setup driven by a higher mounted engine using toothed belt or similar to get a sensible shaft angle.

As I haven't launched my Colvin steel boat yet (though it's getting close) I'm not about to start another project at the moment. I can see that sooner or later I'll build something else, though, simply because I like building stuff and I have a waterfront place, so it's all grist to the mill at this point.

PDW

 

A V drive setup could be arranged, to place the engine/trans and drive in handy locations.