Thanks all for the responses. I think I am good to go with the system I am devising. I hope to be dropping the control box in either tomorrow (Friday) or over the weekend.

With the completion of the skeg install, I will be nearly finished by Black Peal retrofit!! I replaced the ocean cockpit with a standard keyhole and will have installed a retractable skeg. The addition of a backband and a new paint job will complete the job and I'll be good for the upcoming paddling season.

Sean