Raise the rudder

[Jeff]

I just purchased a 1984 Hunter 20. Very new to sailing. Not sure how the rudder is supposed to work. There`s a line that comes out and attaches to a cleat, the rudder is in the down position and when I pull the line it secures it down. How do I raise it? Is the rudder supposed to be up before I pull the line? Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[Bob]

To raise the rudder

To raise the rudder, uncleat the line and let it go free. It may take a little wiggling to get the rudder to “float” to the up position. I sail on a lake with a LOT of power boat traffic so when in the slip I drop a weighted line under the rudder and lash it up and to the port side. I don’t know if it is necessary, but it makes me feel better knowing that it not thrashing about

 

[Jeff]

Floating rudder

Thanks Bob, havent had the boat in the water yet, didn`t even think about it floating.