2012 Outback Question?

OK I know there's a simple explanation for this thing. I don't see it anywhere in The Hobie catalog but it came on my new Outback. It is in the area right near the rudder down handle and alings like you lock the rudder down cable in it for some reason. Looks like a rope lock of some kind. Thanks for the help, Dave

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Perception Caster and Proud owner of a 2012 Hobie Outback

That is a cleat for locking the rudder into the 'down' position.

OK that's what I was wondering. Thanks

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Perception Caster and Proud owner of a 2012 Hobie Outback

Just had a follow up question. I have not been locking it down when using it. The rudder seems to me to snap down, but do I need to be using the cleat to lock it down?

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Perception Caster and Proud owner of a 2012 Hobie Outback

You don't have to lock it down, but if you get going pretty fast, or if you are in an area with a current, you may find that the rudder will kick up. If it does that, it will also turn the boat in one direction. That happens because the "Twist & Stow" rudder, twists as it comes up, and turns the boat.

Locking it prevents all of that. Just remember to uncleat it before you pull the UP line.

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Thanks guys.

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Perception Caster and Proud owner of a 2012 Hobie Outback

Thank you for asking that!

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2011 Olive Hobie Revo