> As are other novices participating in this discussion group I am gathering
> information prior to buying a kit from CLC or Pygmy. Pygmy states that a
> rudder is not required on their boats whicle CLC seems to suggest that a
> rudder is required for their craft. What is the feeling of Pygmy and CLC
> owners is a rudder a requirement or not?

Steve. My response is much like Larry C.'s. I have paddled my Coho in pretty much all conditions. I could rant for hours how much I like this boat. The only times I feel a rudder would be nice is in a strong quartering following sea , or crossing rips. I paddle mainly in the Bay of Fundy and Minas Basin. The lowest high tide we get is 35'. Burnt Coat Head had 50'+ the last high run. We have lots of rips. I ran into two fellows in a Cape Charles and Chesapeake 17 off Kingsport in August. They had installed non-directional rudders. We paddled back along side them in a following small, but confused chop. I was watching carefully to compare boats. Not much difference but their bows seemed to be under water more than mine.