:hmm: may indeed be possible but will running with a smaller crew bring new problems in manning posts/loading torps etc
I know I have sailed before with less crew and have clicked on man the deck/flak guns on surfacing only to be told not enough crew as they busy running engines/loading ext torps and such and so my boat a sitting duck till removed some crew myself from bow area which just meant had to stay on surface a lot longer than I wanted - not good in later years
Still be interesting to see your results