Tarpon 160i... does it need a rudder?

I recently bought a new-to-me Tarpon 160i. It's a 2006 model and has a rudder. I took it out for the first time on Friday and honestly, I forgot to use the rudder. I'm not used to paddling with a rudder and I just didn't think of it. The Tarpon seemed to paddle fine without using it though I only logged about 5 miles in small doses while fishing.

What's the opinions here? Is the rudder really needed on this yak? I'm inclined to take it off just because I don't like the extra cables and how it catches up on things. I guess I'd have to figure out how to fix the peddles in place but that shouldn't be too hard.

Thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Rob Knoles on June 4, 2012 at 9:14pm

I have an older (early 2000's) Tarpon and it has a rudder. I like it in certain situations. Windy days when trolling, long paddles in ocean current. Places like that. My '06 does not have a rudder and I thought I would miss it. I really don't, unless those earlier mentioned situations come up. Then I just have to work a little smarter at paddling. As far as making them solid, when the bungee is over it as a lock the braces really don't move. I would leave it since it is already there. This is just my opinion of course. I'm sure others will speak up.
Rob

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Permalink Reply by Rob Knoles on June 4, 2012 at 9:16pm

Also remember. This is pretty much a keels boat as far as I am concerned, and it will flat spin when the wind is at your side. The rudder does help with that quite a bit when you are moving of course.

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Permalink Reply by LocalHero on June 6, 2012 at 10:00am

I'll paddle with it a few more times to decide but I'll likely take it off just to see if it makes a difference.

Thanks for the thoughts.

John

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