[Paddlewise] anudder rudder

 "What I wonder is... is it possible to design a
rudderless kayak to meet all needs? "

That depends on what you mean by "all needs".  I don't know of any
rudderless kayaks that can fly like a pelican, or play the trombone.
My  Mariner Express does anything that a 16 foot kayak can be expected
to do, and it does these things very well, without a rudder.  Adding a
rudder would not improve the boat in any way.  It tracks easily, on all
points, with neutral helm, over long hauls in very strong winds.  It
also turns much faster than you can turn a boat that has a rudder in the
water.  It  loves to be surfed in following seas.  It simply does not
need a rudder.  On my boat a rudder would add unnecessary complication
and drag without helping the boat's performance.   Many other boats
which I have paddled benefitted from a rudder.  I think rudders are a
good idea on tandem boats.  An inflatable boat would sail sideways at a
good rate without a rudder or skeg to help it track.  Many high speed
surf skis employ rudders to advantage;  surf skis have very rounded hull
sections and very little stability, so they need to be steered without
leaning.

And while we are on the subject, there are a number of people who sail
single kayaks and use the paddle to steer and brace instead of bothering
with a foot powered rudder.

Nick Lyle

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