: Arko,
: That's a very nice looking boat you've got there. Two questions about
: structure, (and I preface this by stating that I've never built an SOF
: boat) You've got a shorter strip running fore and aft, midway between the
: keel and sheer. What does that piece lend to the form? Is it temporary for
: construction purposes to be removed later when the boat starts getting
: used?

: From looking at the structure at this point, it appears that the boat's main
: load bearing forms are the sheer and keel with the ribs serving to define
: the fullness of the hull at each section.

: Your answer can serve to enlighten this wood/composite builder of canoes and
: kayaks for sailing. I hope to, one day, clear my shop of current projects
: and build one of these beautiful, traditional craft.

: Chris Ostlind

Thanks alot.The shorter strips you speak of are the side stringers and do contribute to the shape of the boat. They serve to produce a slightly rounded or multi-chine shape and thus are permenant.

Since this is my first SOF, I don't know if I am qualified to say what is or is not the load bearing members but what you say makes sense and I would also add the bilge stringers to the list of structural members.