I had a lot of trouble with the rudder on the dory, storing it while rowing, or in the boat house, or in the car, all proved to be very difficult. It also stressed the joint a lot, and
eventually it broke.
The fix was obvious...I put a hinge on the underside, and a hatch lock on the top, so that I can fold it down for storage, traveling, etc. I was worried about the integrity of it, but it's at least as strong as the weak joint that was there before. I tested it out in whitecaps, tacked up the CT river at low tide, and nothing phazed it.
I would recommend something like this in the next design...it's a real pain to try and put the rudder anywhere in the boat if it doesn't fold.
BTW, this is the best boat ever, CLC is the greatest, John is obviously the best designer in the world. Every time I get in my dory I smile, and I keep smiling as I sail or row around.