Welp, I have the rudders swinging freely. I have the plastic shims in the rudders. I installed the pivot cleats. I did replace the shock cord, but then removed it after fustration and put on a pull-up line.

I completely agree that the pivot cleat does not take some types of rope well. The best thing I have used on the pull-downs is Marlow pre-stretch 3/16". Glad to hear someone else goes to Lowes for some of their boating needs!

It seems like it is very hard to steer compared to other boats. I think it is due to the rudders gradually creeping out as I sail. I periodically check them and they are not as far down as possible. I know what you are talking about with the remote rudder pull-down. I have not seen it either. It was supposed to be used a lot in Australia, but when I was there last year, I didn't see it on one cat.