: Since the hull gets stripped first, it makes sense to me to align the forms
: hull up. Why do it deck up, then risk getting things out of line when
: flipping the strongback over? Is there any reason to not align forms hull
: up?
:

You can align hull up -- just be sure the tips of the bow and stern are aligned properly.

I align it both ways, sighting a string down the center line of deck, tip to tip, and then turning it over (a 2-person job) and running a line down the hull. I find it helpful to staple a temporary strip down the center while attaching the first shear strips. A center line marked on the internal strongback for reference helps, too.

Making a straight and fair boat is pretty important, so I think it's worth the time to get it right.

John