Thanks for the input Paul. Thats exactly what I am asking for. No offense taken.

Maneuverability is a higher priority to me than open water tracking. I love poking around in small creeks. Sometimes not much wider than the boat is long. Lots of shallow water. Often times these twist and turn so turning is important. There is some current to deal with too. No fun to be constantly struggling to turn a boat or playing bumper cars with the banks and the bottom.

Rudders are more complicated and frankly, ugly in my eye. They ruin the lines of a kayak and look like a dead fish laying on the rear deck to me. Not saying I wouldn't have one! Just doesn't seem like a good idea for me and my use. But I am not certain, so that is why I am asking.

I like the skeg design shown on the CLC web site. Granted it sticks up above the deck and isn't as attractive as a totally hidden one. But it is simple and has easy access if there is ever a problem like it getting stuck.

Henk, the space issue is a concern of mine. While this boat(s) will be primarily a day boat, we are planning on doing some short trips so I have been thinking about the space issue. Probably not an issue for me since we are not going to be doing extended trips. But I could see how it could be for longer trips