: Getting ready to plan out a Mystery racing kayak. Any opinions on
: the best rudder system? Not sure I can manage an under hull
: design so have been looking at the Sea-Lect Designs Trucourse
: Rudder system versus the Smart Track rudder system. Does anyone
: have input on either one?

: Thanks ahead of time. Am planning on having the boat ready for a
: race in March.

First install a surf ski style footbrace in the cockpit. They are way more comfortable than pegs. I'm sourcing mine through Stellar Kayaks. All compression-molded carbon fiber. Light and easy to adjust.

Under the hull rudders are definitely more efficient but you do have to mind where you paddle. Forgetting it's there can be expensive when you hit a submerged rock or log. If you paddle in big waves the under the hull rudders stay in the water more than stern-mounted. That can be important. For stern-mounted rudders consider Smart Track's Race version. The cartridge is a lot smaller and doesn't hang down as far as the regular version. That can be an issue with kayaks with low sterns (like the Mystery). The blade is also interchangeable with the larger tandem blade if you find the single-sized blade isn't providing enough turning moment or frequently comes out of waves. You don't see the ST Race version marketed in too many places. I source mine again through Stellar.

I used both the Stellar surf ski footbrace and ST Race rudder on Lisa's "Mustang Sally" Wahoo FSK.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.301689123249618.71543.301674333251097&type=3&l=46e254cbf8

The BTD Sea Racer I'm currently finishing up has the Stellar footbrace and their under-hull rudder blades.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.307257219359475.72440.301674333251097&type=3&l=b6ed09d7ac