Cool idea!!!
It doesn't surprise me that a former outback owner would feel this way, specially if you owned a 1st gen hull (with the round front hatch). And didn't you return your hobie because it didn't steer itself?
I think Hobies "ill handling hulls" are actually designed that way. You have to consider that the large majority of people out there are using them in calm waters, and really enjoy the quick boat-like response of the Hobie hulls. Not to mention, who actually paddles these things? Remember the Outback is still, by far, the best seller.Having a hull that tracks well will not feel as playful in the water, and would also scrub off a lot of speed every time you do turn.
Enter the Adventure....long and sleek (27.5"W vs. 31"W) and as close to a true SIS touring style hull as I've seen on any SOT (besides maybe the 160i, prowler and expedition)....granted the area under the cock-pit is a little flatter, giving up some tracking but not much. I can't imagine someone into speed and efficiency "hating" this hull design.....although I do imagine that there are plenty of people out there who are a little afraid of trying to fish from a 27.5" wide platform. Maintaining speed/efficiency, especially in rough water has a cost, and generally it is stability.
As for the surf...well, IMHO it has a lot more to do with the skill and strength of the paddler along with the weight distribution in the kayak. Hull design and width, not so much!!
Anyway, I can't wait to read the rest of the build along with the testing and tuning afterwards. Hopefully you can hook-up with a local Hobie guy "roadrunner" and do some performance testing. In the past he has put most of the Hobie hulls though some pretty extensive tests.
FYI, the "calculated hull speed" debate has already been beat to death...the equation is antiquated and has little use when discussing kayak hulls.