: I'm just starting a Sea Tour 13, also my first build, and I've been
: wondering about the same thing so I look forward to the
: discussion. Here's what I've been planning to do. The strong
: back is not the baseline, but it could be used as a reference (I
: think). On the ST 13 the HAB of the keel, of the first section
: is .032'. So why not say the base line is 6" (0.5') above
: the strong back and mount that section so the keel is 0.532'
: above the strong back? In this example the 4th section would be
: mounted with the keel 0.527' above the strong back. Then the
: "floating" sections and the stem and stern can be
: pulled down towards the strong back or pushed up from it until
: they are at the keel offset plus 6" from the strong back.
: Or maybe that is all wrong! BTW, there was a good thread
: recently about establishing reference points off the strong
: back, to check the frame for twist.

: Thanks for asking the question,
: Will

I think you an I are on the same page here will, I an used to say having a Fixed point called out on the frame (section station ... whatever . to me the "station" is actually a specific point along the waterline not a part ) and then measuring to the base line ... bothers me that I have to measure to a point that is not installed when I mount the section to the strongback, but as you say... we just have to either install a stub or account for it when we measure. after one failed set of sections I am off to the Home despot to aquire a better grade of material to work with.