Fritz,

I have a 16' ladder strongback that was originally built for the Cosine Wherry. It's two 16' 2x6's on the sides, with 16" 2x4 "rungs" on 16" centers, similar to the way a wall would be built except the rungs are recessed 1-1/2" from the top surface. I then added legs, and wheels under one end.

I have found it to be very handy, but a little heavy. I can attach "cradles" to the sides once the hull is stripped and off the molds, or I can add a temporary top for a table, or attach just about anything to the structure. I can use the sides as a 16' straight-edge for scarfing joints. The only thing I might change is to add 6" or so to the height (now it's only about 2') and change the wheels to rotating on all four legs to make it easier to move around. Right now I have to pick up one end and "jockey" it into position.

I'm on my 5th boat and this has served me well. Between boats it is a real handy work table.

> I am planning to build my kayak in the basement. Yes, I can get it out
> easily once it's completed. On what type of table should I build the
> kayak? Any tips or tricks that would be helpful. Pygmy suggested I build a
> table from a ripped sheet of ply wood and 3 saw horses, making a 2' by 16'
> table. The pictures in their catalog show a table made from ply wood that
> appears a full 4' wide. The wider table allows the builder to lay all the
> pieces of the kayak on the table. Thanks again for your thoughts.

> Fritz