I liked Whites construction method of Whites boats(they're both quite popular in Maine for good reasons). As I like to row and sail our dinghy, I thought the extra performance of the Shellback would be a great thing. But then I got into one,... First, they're quite a bit less stable than the 9'6" Nutshell pram. Better rowing performance takes a more slender underbody and that also equals "tender" Then I realized forward boarding was out of the question. That's a real problem at many dinghy docks. But they're beautiful boats and will maintain better direction and glide longer on each stroke due to a longer slender water line. It would tow with very little drag too.

If I had built one, I would have kept the Nutshell for long distance coastal stuff. I've had enough experience with both to know, any bow like a Shellback, while enhancing rowing/sailing performance, is much less stable under tow. The "broaching" you talk about is apt to happen, this type of behavior isn't a problem with the Nutshell to and beyond the conditions I coastal cruise and tow the boat.

I may one day build a nicer rowing boat and would use it as a dinghy locally though. Rowing is a part of our sailing and we'd miss it.