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→Engine Room
The location of the engine room decides whether or not the [[:Category:Accomodation|accommodation]] will be split in two. In turn, the location is dependent on the type of propulsion system, and its attendant cost. With a standard mechanical propulsion system, the engine room has to be amidships to align the engine with the shaft at a reasonable angle. Typically the master cabin is aft and several berths are forward.
This arrangement of two separate living quarters has advantages for privacy. But the space allocated to mechanical systems always seems disproportionate. And amidships just happens to be the most comfortable location for a cabin.Also, engine-room bulkheads transfer heat to the accommodation.
An amidships engine room adversely impacts air-conditioning more than an aft engine room, since there are twice as many bulkheads to transfer heat (and noise). It also complicates heating and air conditioning; and increases the general noise level aboard. Contrarily, putting the mass of the engine amidships helps the centre of gravity. However, overall the optimum layout has the engine room aft.
There are several ways of reducing the impact of the engine room on the arranegment, but they all add cost and complexity. The space occupied by a central engine room can be minimised by using a sideways engine lay-out and hydraulic or electric drives.
[[File:ElectricDriveLayout.png|thumb|200px|left|With an electric drive, one engine can be eliminated - the battery bank provides emergency power]]
With hydraulic or electrical drive, the engine can be bedded in any convenient spot. It doesn’t have to be inline with the prop shaft. This enlarges the space for the accommodation, and allows more variety in layouts.
With an electric drive, build costs can be contained somewhat by using only one engine. If the engine fails, an electric drive can use the house bank for full emergency power.
[[File:EngineLayoutAstern.png|thumb|200px|left|With electric or hydraulic drive, or a mechanical V-drive, the engine can be placed astern]]
Even more space can be reclaimed by placing the engine room aft, and making it smaller, using a mechanical V-drive, hydraulic Z-drive or electrical drive. Rotatable Z-drives eliminate any need for a stern thruster. All of the below deck accommodation will then be forward, substantially simplifying the layout of electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.
