: I'm getting ready to align the forms on my strongback. Looking at Nick's
: book, all the pictures in the aligning the forms section show the forms
: oriented deck up.

: 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?

Hey Bob,

In addition to what John has said - after you've aligned the end forms, be sure you have them supported so they can't move sideways when you apply pressure against the side while attaching the first strips. Then, after you get a couple of strips on each side, check the alignment of the end forms again to make sure they didn't move. This is the time to make sure everything is straight. Its no fun correcting this error after the hull is stripped. Possible - but definitely NOT fun. Believe me - I KNOW! Then, have at it!

FWIW: I've built two strippers using the internal strongback set-up. I'm in the process of building the third stripper, but this time I'm using the external strongback set-up, and I definitely like it better. I made the external strongback longer than the kayak so I'd have a place to attach the end forms to prevent them from moving. It worked out great.

Post Pics. Ask Questions. Happy Building.

Charles.