[JohnRPollard]

Braun,

I think that's a great idea. However, strictly speaking, this is not a sailing question, so you might get better info on another forum where folks have done this. That said:

What is the controlling depth of the NYS barge system? This is one of the most important data points before we can help you. My vague recollection is that typical mid-size sailboats can transit it, so I would expect a controlling depth perhaps upwards of 5 feet. If this is the case -even if it were as little as 3-4 feet -- you would have LOTS of options in your size range and there really should not be any need to modify a keel.

If you chose a design that incorporated an unballasted centerboard, you COULD easily get rid of the centerboard and do away with the complications/maintenance/liability. Beyond that, I would not want to get involved too much in "radically altering" the keel design. Find a design that will work more or less as is -- there are plenty out there. Longer full keels are probably the most likely candidates.

As for propulsion, I would urge you to find a design with a diesel inboard engine. Even a small diesel engine will push a sailboat to hull speed. Given that you'd be relying on the engine 100% of the time, you might want to budget for a newer/slightly larger engine that would be fully reliable, rated for continuous duty, and maybe better able to handle contrary currents and headwinds. Still, you will always be limited to displacement hull speed (approximately 4/3 x square root of LWL) no matter how much power you give it. So don't expect planing power boat speeds. Proper prop size is determined by the size/weight boat and the engine/transmission combination. The engine manufacturer will help you with that choice.

Good luck to you, sounds like great fun!