: Grab some of your worst strips--even some that are way too thin-- and start
: stapling them to the forms. Space them a few inches apart, and certaionly
: do not use any glue on them. You can put them almost anywhere, except
: along the waterline where you'll put your first "real" strips.

: As these scrap strips go on they'll reveal forms which have shifted to one
: side or the other. You'll have areas where the strips skip over a form on
: one side of the boat, and then bulge out on the opposite side. The scrap
: strips will help you get those shifted forms recentered. They'll also show
: where a form is too low, or too high.

: Leave the scrap strips in place while you apply the good ones. They'll keep
: things stiffer and in alignment. Pull off a scrap strip when it gets in
: the way of your real strips.

: Whe you pull of the scrap strips be sure to pull the staples form them so you
: don't get scratched by them.

: Hope this helps

: PGJ

Okay, thanks for the advice! I read the short article on the various problems, good article. As I used to build and fly R/C Airplanes (and yes the fuselage, wings, fin, stabilizer all need to be lined up with exacting precision) I understand the terms used in the article. As for the strongback, no it is not straight and yes I had to "float the forms". I did this "by the book (Nick's)" using a sting to get a straight line and marking the center of the line at each station before I put the forms on the strong back. I also used a string and marked a line 2" below the top of the strongback. This line I matched up with the line I put on the forms 2" above the DWL. Hope this all makes sense. There was some rotation noted on a couple of the forms and I've corrected it. My line on the hull is essentially straight with some minor (I would say less than 1/16 inch over 36") movement "here and there".

I have plenty of "bad strips" so I'll go back, try to fare everything out with the strings and then take PGJ's advice and put the "bad strips" to "good use." Thanks for all the replies, I'll admit to being frustrated and stymied at this point and decided I needed assistance, which you all gladly provided, thank you again. Tonight I'll get back to the basement and my unshucked sunflower seeds (it's a nice way make the experience enjoyable) just don't look at the floor!