Share '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…