: I had a thought and wanted to see if it makes sense. Tracking is important to
: an open water boat. The same boat on a smaller creek, especially with some
: current, manuvering is more important. If you wanted a smaller boat, say
: 14' to serve double duty why couldn't you add a bit more rocker to the
: boat or chose a plan with good turning and then add a simple retractable
: skeg for flat water? Like the skeg design at CLC. Wouldin't this make a
: boat server double duty?

I'm trying to learn all the time as well. I did quite a bit of experimentation with a skeg and rudder this last year. For different marathon races and practices I'd add a skeg, take it off, add a skeg, take it off, use a rudder, take it off, etc.. This is just my own experience, and it is under quite tough conditions, but I will never have another skeg...unless, possible, it is an integral part of the design. In only one instance did I feel that the skeg was a positive. All other times it proved to be a negative: ie. damage and strange things happening while running rapids and swift water. I found an overstern rudder to be a better choice mostly as a trim tab when running fairly flat water, open water with wind and waves coming in from a quarter. The rudder helped in turning, but for the most part I didn't have any trouble without the rudder for that. My experience might be a little unique since for the most part it is for marathon paddling, but the rudder also helps when fishing by helping to orient the boat as I work a shoreline or brush structure.
Just a few things to think about. Every person's experiences are unique though.