: If I were to modify my Walrus, Id end up with something pretty close to a Sea
: Spirit. Ive paddled a Sea Spirit, and liked it, but not had it out in the
: rough. Nor did I try to surf it.

: Everything about the NHG I read on its pages I like - the volume out in the
: ends, the low overall volume, the keyhole cockpit but thats not a big
: deal. HTe narrower width. And the rounded chines, which I think would make
: it more friendly in a broach. But I have not paddled one...

I haven't paddled the NH either, but suspect you are right. The Spirit's hard chines will grab and make the boat harder to spin around without leaning. I've found the bow will also dig in without proper for-aft balance in following seas and it feels like it wants to broach. At 18.5', it's probably not what you want for surf. Foot room for my 15s is tight. Another 1/2" wouldn't hurt (literally :-) I do like the boat and I finally have it outfitted! Just not a surfing kind of boat, from my perspective. Bobby probably has the best opinion here, though.

Bill