: The rudder will exert the most turning force and be most effective at the
: back of the kayak, but it will still be effective if you need to move it a
: foot or two forward. You are correct that a metal blade rudder flopping
: around at the end of a kayak can be a safety hazard, as can the exposed
: cables of some rudder systems. The biggest disadvantage of the internal
: systems is that they can get sand and debris in them and be tough to
: service.

everything mike says makes sense to me. as true internals(not exposed like the mirage) have some complexity, it also wpuld help to make them accessible by being up near the main hatch, having their own access hatch in a better more rear position, or being semi-exposed near/at the rear.

one thing i note about some of the internals out there is the use of a skeg like fin in front either for protection or to partially hide the workings because it couldn't really be designed to be internal. to me, a contradiction. i want a rudder for variability, having put up with a fixed skeg(no less) as well to get it seems no point - i'd just choose a retractable skeg.