You didn't say whether you are looking for plastic, or composite. My advice is to take a little trip down to Tacoma and check out the NC Kayaks. They are simply the best built kayaks I have ever seen and you don't have to worry about skegs, or rudders. NC advises that neither are required on their boats.

I prefer the British style kayaks for their looks and maneuverabilty. Most of them use a skeg and by the way it isn't for steering, it is used to counter the natural tendency for the boat to turn into the wind, or current. That is also the primary purpose of a rudder.

As I indicated, my first inquiry would be to NC Kayaks (they have a nice Website) and then I would be comparing Current Designs, Valley, Wilderness, Eddyline, Seaward, and on and on. In the end, you will most likely have to pick from those that are available to you, so that a proper demo can be arranged. By all means, try as many boats on as you can.

My choice for a sea kayak is a CD Sirocco. This is a magnificent boat that has more capabilities than I will ever master, but I hope to someday add an NC Expedition to my stable.

Have fun looking and it might be instuctive to go to Paddling net and read a lot of reviews. However, don't be either persuaded, or disuaded by what you read. You will have to find a boat that fits you and your needs and that's the fun of it.