The aft cockpit has locking foot pedals that provide solid purchase for bracing and pivoting foot pads for steering. A weld on one of the rudder pedals had failed. Seaward promptly replaced the pedal with a new one that had a larger weld in the area that had failed. There are separate lines for raising and lowering, which are easier to operate than a rudder control line that is looped on one side. The lines have large handles that are easy to find and comfortable to pull on.
Secondary stability is good.
The rudder functions perfectly. Larger waves coming over the deck didn't throw spray. Great fun in a following sea. We were able to catch wind waves easily. The Passat has three caulked-in fiberglass bulkheads, two creating watertight end compartments and one separating the cockpits.