Raising cord attachment for hydra twin sea

I just bought a used Hydra Twin Sea. Good condition but much heavier than I anticipated.
It has a feathercraft rudder (unknown model). Not sure if it was original equipment.
The raising/lowering cord is just a loop behind the the back seat. Not sure where it should actually go on my boat. I have seen some pics of other kayaks where they run parallel up the starboard side with the caterpillar like knots (are those to just when rudder is neutral?) which makes sense for easy control but have not seen how it actually attaches to the hull.
Also not sure what the small object is bolted in front. I doubt it’s a map light!
Thanks for any help.
Larry