It might be possible to move the outboard inword by setting up a well. This would get the weight out of the end of the boat. But I think this well would require a tunnel aft it which would have a top that was higher than or at the waterline. This is so the stern would not scoop up water as the boat goes forward. It may be more reasonable to expect it to sail at displacement speeds but power at planing speeds (except possibly on downwind courses of say 135 degrees or more off the wind). Such a boat would not require a huge sail area or hiking straps, but would be able to make port quite quickly, should the need arise, as long as the distance isn't too great.
This I think would vastly improve the utility of a sailboat, especially if we move into an era of electric power, which delivers very limited range at higher S/L speeds.* This would fit in well with the tradition of smaller working sailboats that were around before engines became available. Most that, were around 20 ft or less, were designed to be rowed. These had rather limited beam, typically 0.30 Length or less.
Now, with lighter more powerful engines (or even electric motors), it may be possible to go with greater beam, which usually brings about more useful space onboard.
Lower aspect ratio sail rigs, with spars short enough to fit within the hull, might find higher popularity, if such boats were to find wide acceptance.
For both higher powering speeds and higher sailing speeds, it may make more sense to go with multihulls. The types I think would be most suitable would be pahi-style catamarans, with the accomodations within the hulls, instead of on the wing deck, and double-outrigger style trimarans, with less than full buoyancy floats. In both cases, I think it would be best to attach the engine or motor to the wing deck, which would be much shorter than the main hull(s). This would move its weight to a more central location.
* today's high performance batteries typically deliver about one hp hour (0.740 kw hour) per 3 lbs (1.36 kg) of battery weight. One half-gallon of gasoline typically delivers about 3hp hour (2.20 kw hour) of useful enrgy (to the propeller).
