I had checked that the rudder down controls were cleated. I wasn't able to check the position of the rudder cos it was choppy and blowing pretty hard and I had a slightly nervous passenger. I hadn't fiddled with the lines. When I checked the screws on the rudder the lines were properly installed and the screws tight. I have taken up the slack, and it seems OK for now.
Is there a diagram anywhere of the setup of the steeering lines inside the boat? And are there attachments inside that could work loose? I am also looking ahead and thinking that eventually these lines will have to be replaced. Has anyone done it? Looks like it might be a killer job.