Cheekyninja,
I, naturally enough, am watching your build of this old plan with interest. I had the same idea to "improve" the design by incorporating a smoothly curved hull sheer and built a second model based on these Destroyer-Escorts a few years ago. It does look better, much better than the old plan.
Powered by a single RE360 motor and a 40 mm dia "RadioActive" brand propeller. An input power of around 3W gives a speed of some 3 ft/s, a good dynamic match for the full size vessels. Model plans and construction article are currently languishing the in the files of "Model Boats".
By the way, the idea of using a modified servo from Jim G, might not work too well in this size of model. Enough power maybe for those who like to convert small plastic kits but probably not for something this large. This idea is covered in more detail in the latest issue of Model Boats.
However, the problem of a limited deadband using this method, mentioned by "Allnightin", has never been a problem to me. If unable to completely stop the propeller, it rotates so slowly that it doesn't move the model significantly nor consume much power.
Good luck with your modifications.
Glynn Guest
[size=78%] [/size]