The locker lids are notched so they can close on the rode which is coiled in the locker. Klaus Sussenbach has put a lot more thought and work into customizing his boat, all to good effect. Ours are rather modest in comparison but there are a few worth mentioning. This clears up the center of the cabin. Another alternative would be to follow Klaus' example and modify the shape of the blade and the case to make it less intrusive at the front end.
Rudders are always a weak point in a boat.
We ditched the wooden rudder frame in the plans and built one out of aluminum. I cut all the pieces out and took them to a welder. The blade is 3 layers of 12mm okume. The frame, blade, pintles, gudgeons and tiller all seem very strong. They have to be.