Since you obviously used an internal strongback and chose to go to an external, I would value your feedback as to why you did not like the internal strongback and chose to use an external strongback after apparently starting with an internal strongback. I understand that an external strongback is more rigid, but:

You don't have to take the forms apart from the strongback when it is internal to build the deck. Ted Moores book shows that you have to unscrew the forms from the external strongback and take care to ensure that the forms stay put as you cradle the hull in preparation to assemble the deck. In some examples using an external strongback, two different sets of forms are used. One set for the deck and one for the hull. I sure don't feel that building the deck and hull separately makes sense. Having an internal strongback makes it possible to build the deck next to the hull and ensure that they line up and will be easy to join without having to disassemble the forms. I think the only downside to an internal strongback is the rigidity. Any thoughts?

: I love the sprung strongback. I've built over 10 different kayaks
:
: It lacked a bit of rigidity since I only made the sides 4"
: tall. So I screwed my old 2x4 internal SB to the bottom. It also
: allowed me to reuse the same stands. Ended up being a slick
: little system.