Just had a thought about rudder designs. Rather than have a rudder that is vertical why not design one that is horizontal. Catboats don't have a deep rudder, rather a large barn door design. Granted most other sailboats do, but that is due to the healing angle.

Additonally, swimming animals (beavers, muskrats, even aligators) use a tail that is horizontal vs. vertcal.

Wouldn't the rudder horizontal serve as less drag and be less of a seaweed hook? Would also be less apt to be damaged in a grounding, even with the kickup feature.

I'm sure someone has a thought on this.