Quent, have built and paddle a North Bay,paddled an Arctic Hawk a little in mild conditions. my two cents, others experience may differ. The Arctic Hawk is more manueverable,and the bow may not bury as much as the North Bay. I think the seat is abominable in the AH,but when I make a seat comfortable for me other folks find it uncomfortable, so that must reflect anatomy. The North Bay is straighter tracking and not as squirrely, I would recommend adding a skeg for ultimate control. Mine doesn't have one and I'm very surprised how well I can handle it in wind given it's length, but is is so low so that may be why.