: I agree. They each have their quirks. Some designs are so low
: volume that they virtually require an external SB.

: I started using internal strongbacks (built 4 kayaks and a canoe on
: three different strongbacks.). I built some Black Pearls about 3
: years ago and HAD to use an external strung strongback. I
: haven't looked back since. With that ONE strongback I've built
: 10 boats on it ranging from 8 foot long SOFs, a 13 foot canoe,
: various strip built 17-18 foot sea kayaks and currently a hybrid
: Night Heron. It's been very flexible.

: Being a made from two pieces of wood that are sprung into a
: bow-shape, it had an open top. To make the panels for the hybrid
: NH, I capped the top with some 2 foot-wide cheap OSB. Now it's a
: great work table (2 feet wide by 19 feet long). I can now put
: down my tools and supplies right next to the boat. It's so much
: more convenient.

: The big problem I have with internal strongbacks is once you remove
: the SB you have to work in slings. Inside, outside... The boat
: just moves around too much. Going external, instead of burning
: the cutoffs in the woodstove (not that you SHOULD burn plywood
: or MFD by the way...), you can use attach them to the SB and use
: them as cradles. The support is incredible.

: The other issue is the waste and lack of flexibility. Like I
: alluded to above, you're not length-limited with an external SB.
: Internal ones are fine if you only intend to build one boat. I
: suppose if you wanted to build a second, shorter one you'd just
: cut it. They are hard to stretch to longer lengths while
: maintain any semblance of rigidity.

: Anyway, now you know why I've gone to the Dark Side...

I just had to.....

Gonna get this T from thinkgeek