Mick,

What we did was place a rib at each end of the cockpit and a rib at both ends - then fair everything (keelson, stringers, ribs) by eye to get a pleasing shape. This is the part where Skip was instrumental - having built and designed so many light craft - he knew exactly what he was looking for. The baidarkish craft I built and he designed has only 4 stringers - so getting the ribs in between was not difficult. However, with only 4 stringers it was crucial to set them such that the bow and stern shapes were properly formed. This was all achieved via temporary lashing with twine and spring clamps. Once the shape was set via the keel and longitudinal stringers - we just set the ribs in - being sure to pull the ribs out to the stringers rather than visa versa. I didn't realize until this point that the craft's shape is set by the stringers - not the ribs. The ribs just provide support - mostly resistance to compression.

I think I have some pictures that show all this. I'll try to get them posted tonight. I have never done it - but I have seen descriptions of how to do the photopoint biz.

Stephen - I think I might have been a bit unclear. You wrote:
"
Putting the ribs in OVER the temporary keelson huh?
"

What I meant to say was that we set the "actual" keel (and stringers) and fit the ribs in the cavity formed by these and the gunwales.

I'll try to get those pictures up so you can see what I am trying to say.

Cheers,
PC