: I am planning to build a Gilly expedition and wondering if the is
: any down side to using an external strong back as opposed to the
: internal one Nick uses? Thanks for any input. I allready have a
: nice external beam. Joe

Hi I am using an external strong back for my first attempt and the only down side I have found thus far is When It comes time to flip it over and build the deck their is no positive support for holding the boat's rocker fixed. That is your are relying on the external cradles and the fibre glassed hull to hold everything in alignment and the hull can flex up and down as much as 4+ inches once it is free from the strong back. If i were to do it again I would go with a high bred design, an internal / external strong back which give you more rigidity when doing the deck.

Disclaimer: This is just been my experience thus far on my first attempt so everything I am doing may be total wrong.

Pic is of the hull supported by 4 cradles. I used the two end ones to set the dead weigh water line alignment.
more view of the set-up: http://jasonrmoore.info/list.php?dir=./strip_built_kayak&page=7