: Now my question: You may recall I'm modeling my boat after Putz. He has a
: "Deck King" stringer that goes on the top of the deck. Then
: there are stringers spaced between the Deck King and the gunwales. I
: figured I'd just fasten these deck stringers with the cable tie method,
: but am wondering if I need to secure the Deck King to the ribs in a
: stronger way (bolts/wing nuts are handy), or if cable ties would be fine.

Try cable ties. These will hold the strips in place to support the deck fabric and keep it from sagging into your lap. If after you launch you find that you need additional strength in this area it will be easy to install a slightly longer or shorter part for the center and bolt that to the bow and stern, and tot the front and back of the cockpit coaming. The pieces to either side should be unaffected. This should not affect the fit of the skin in any way, so the retrofit should take just a few minutes.

Even if the cable-tied pieces eventually prove to be too weak, and all you have is a temporary deck bracing, you'll be ahead on making the skin covering.

: I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I just hope that's not the headlight of a train comin' at ya! ( guess I've seen too many Roadrunner cartoons)

PGJ