: The timing of this post is uncanny. I just posted the EXACT same
: question on the Chesapeake Light Craft builders forum. I am
: building a Guillemot L from a CLC kit. I finished my hull last
: week and just turned it over to start the deck. I have the same
: issue. The stern is off by about 1/16th - 1/8th of an inch. I am
: fine with that. It's not even noticeable without the string. The
: bow, on the other hand, is off by roughly a half inch. The
: misalignment starts where the stem frame attaches to the
: strongback.

: Here is a pic of the bottom of the hull - just for the heck of it:
: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwbarryg/4749606143/sizes/l/in/set-72157624269578771/.

: I used the string method to check out the alignment. Here is a
: photo with the line going from the far wall to my camera tripod:
: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwbarryg/4749545005/sizes/l/in/set-72157624269578771/.
: Note that the full 12mp resolution image is available if you
: want to see the detail.

: Assuming my OCD will not allow me to continue forward, this is how
: I understand the suggested solution:

: 1. remove the strongback and frames from the hull
: 2. cut down the centerline of the bow - i'm guessing about two to
: two-and-a-half feet
: 3. cut out the internal stem
: 4. do some fancy cutting/planing so that two halves align with the
: centerline as well as with each other
: 5. glue two halves back together
: 6. don't bother with a new internal stem - just add an external
: stem at the end of the process
: 7. put the strongback and frames back into the hull
: 8. double check alignment
: 9. begin stripping deck
: 10. breath sigh of relief...

: Do I have this correct?

: Thanks for the feedback!

: Thanks again,
: Barry

Personally I like internal stems, makes the whole boat stronger and if used with a light wood like WRC doesn't add much weight. I'd cut the boat with it on the forms, once cut the hull will get seriously floppy and the forms would help to stablize the rest of the hull. I'd also recommend doing the alignment trick the S&G guys use of putting a straight piece of wood across the bow and also the stern then getting back away from the hull and sighting across these two pieces to see if there is any twist. If these pieces are attached (strapped) to the hull they can be used to "wind" or "twist" the hull back into shape before the ends are fixed. Should eliminate most problems this way and once the ends are repaired should have a very straight and true hull.

Bill H.