Lee308 wrote:
....



A rudder "hung on the stern" is what I'm comparing to. This seems less
of a maintenance issue at sea. By that, I mean one less thru-hull
fitting to deal with.

As I mentioned, having a transom hung rudder is a really a function of
other design issues. For instance, a full length keel is more
conducive to a transom hung rudder. Most designers (and buyers) will
consider the keel design more significant than the rudder design, and
that's really what you should be considering. Perhaps a more
interesting rudder question you might ask is a balanced rudder vs, a
skeg hung rudder.

Actually, to put both of your questions in perspective, you should go
to a large marina and walk the docks to see what's out there.
Remember that most cruisers don't have the luxury to buying the
ultimate blue water cruiser, they simply take off in whatever they
have, or can afford. In cruising spots, you generally see the boats
that were sold 20 years ago as "family cruisers" or "racer/cruisers."