Apparatus are disclosed that are configured to distribute internal loads from a drive mechanism to a solid fixed shaft and rotatable tubular shaft coupled to a propeller, for example. An example apparatus involves: (a) a stator, (b) a central shaft arranged coaxially within the stator, wherein the central shaft has a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end of the central shaft is fixedly mounted relative to the stator, (c) a tubular shaft arranged coaxially about the central shaft, wherein the tubular shaft is rotatably coupled to the central shaft, wherein the tubular shaft has a proximal end and a distal end, and (d) a rotor, wherein the rotor is coupled to the tubular shaft, and wherein the rotor is arranged coaxially with the stator.