A couple ways to hit this one. I like the suggestions for the short, wider boats, kind of like Current Designs Pachena. Not manly but you Hanks guys can take it. The only drawback is in the >3.5 mph speeds, which most folks that fish or paddle together don't paddle that fast, besides he's got the spare boat for that. CLC's Mill Creek 13 is in my opinion (CLC employee on sabbatical for excessive crankiness)is a very underrated large cockpit kayak that is good for "everything" and you could put a smaller coaming on it.
For manueverability the Pygmy Coho can be spun around if your skills are up to it and it has Lots of reserve stability. The CH 17 has sharp ends in the water and may not be the best thing for tight quarters although it would be good from an initial stability standpoint.
If you are willing to spend the time it takes to make a strip boat then the designs mentioned in the other post on this thread are probably the best choice from a design standpoint.