Hey Mike
I last thing I want to start here is a "my cat is stronger than your cat" debate:) ... If you get a opportunity, check out an old Supercat or the newer version, the ARC Cat, when you see one on the beach...they were designed to be used off South Florida in rough ocean conditions and not flinch. The boat could probably be considered overbuilt by most current manufactures standard. So to answer your questions...you bet the other areas are beefed up as well.

Let me make the point again...I agree with you that it makes good sense to remove the rudders when traveling any appreciable distance.

There are a lot of great cats out there of every flavor...each one has it's strong points...I’m not knocking any other boat...all I am saying is strength is one of the Supercat’s main attributes, be it the rudder assembly or most anything else. Is it indestructible? No...Can it be damaged by improper use or neglect...Of course... but its one tough Tom cat!

Regards,
Bob