The design criteria that you describe has already been addressed in a
commercial product:

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/index.html

These kayaks have been available for over 10 years I believe. They are
functional and reliable. They have rudders, but a paddle is still used for
tight maneuvering.

Cool project. I like the weird and impractical ideas just to see if it
can be done and to try and learn. 90% of building enjoyment is trying
things out. If I just wanted a boat I'd go buy one. Having said that;
I'd go with one pump and some sort of traditional rudder thing. If all
else fails try the manaquin. Good luck.





On Wed, 19 Oct 2005 20:02:03 -0400, "dbraun"
wrote:

The design criteria that you describe has already been addressed in a
commercial product:

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/index.html

These kayaks have been available for over 10 years I believe. They are
functional and reliable. They have rudders, but a paddle is still used for
tight maneuvering.