> Anyone have any input on how a CLC 16.5 Mill Creek handles with one person
> and no rudder?

I have only been in still water with mine. In still water, the answer depends on if you sit in the front or back. or middle.

Sitting in the back, the front is out of the water, and the boat turns a few degrees every time you paddle, which is maybe ok with double ended paddles. The turn is linear, i.e., paddle once and turn three degrees and stop.

Sit in the front, and the back comes up, less though, but the boat then commences plowing, and the back races around and tries to pass the front.

Move the picnic seat to the middle, and the thing is in its sweet zone. Its hard to reach the water, though, and to do this often, another set of mount rails would be needed.

While I have been making my single, I have been thinking about a ballast tank up in the bow of the double, maybe a bladder with deck-mounted fittings. Next winter I might give this idea a closer look.

By the way, properly loaded, the thing does not like to turn. Following a convoluted shore in small water requires brake-turning. But then its still way better, and better looking, than any non-closed-top canoe I have ever tried.

Hope this helps. JR

PS. if you do put in a rudder please let everyone know how well it turns out. Finally, I suggest calling CLC, they have been through all of this.