Dan, The Chesapeake is a good design in that it tracks quite well. You actually have to be comfortable with leaned turns to turn it in a short radius. I wouldn't think that you'll probably need one for tracking unless you're really worried about weathercocking.

Some people put rudders on more maneuverable designs because they have a hard time making them go in a straight line. Once you get some practice in your boat, you don't really need a rudder anyway. You start to do combined power/corrective strokes and balance your power strokes on both sides and don't even realize it. Unless there is serious wind or current, it is you that is causing the boat to wander around; a lot of people just think that their boat doesn't track straight. I used to be one of them.

Right, proper paddling technique will all but eliminate the need for a rudder. However, if you're going to an area with lots of wind and currents, then it should be a consideration. Are you going to have any time to practice and "grow" into your boat before you go, or are you taking off as soon as the varnish is dry? If you take 4-5 day trips to get in shape, you'll probably know by the 3rd or 4th time out whether or not you really need the rudder. When your paddling technique isn't yet "up to snuff", you'll expend a lot of extra energy, rudder or not.

Shawn

If the Seaward rudders, as Alan says require a fairly square stern, then you should have no problem fitting one to a Ches. kayak.

> As many of you know I am just starting a Chesapeake 17' that I intend on
> taking for a three week expedition from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron
> (Georgian Bay) through the Trent Severn Waterway. It seems many, let's
> called them purists, frown on the use of a Rudder. Proper paddling
> technique eliminates the need for a rudder. However, I'm going on a fairly
> long trip and if a rudder will save energy I will install one. The
> question is, as a novice builder and paddler, should I install a rudder?
> Also, does anyone have any experience with the Seaward Kayaks MFG. LTD.
> (Canadian Company) rudder kit that has the adjustable and lockable foot
> braces?

> Cheers, Dan