2. Strongback and Framing

This is an aft view of my strongback.  I built it overkill using laminated beam lumber.  I did this knowing that the boat would be on the strongback for a few years, so I wanted something that would not warp.



This is a fore view of the Strongback.

Here is the extention for the Stem.

I used an electronic water level to check that the Strongback was true and level. To make any needed adjustments, I used adjustable glides that were intsalled on the bottoms of the 2X4 leg supports.  (See next picture)

This is a view of the adjustable glide on one of the 2X4 leg supports.

Here is the rear seat bulkhead.  It is built up of a cypress frame and 3/4" mahogany front.  The center will get a hole cut later to accept the access port.
The same treatment is given to the front seat bulkhead.

Station frames in place.  At this point, the stringers are simulated with masking tape to check for proper locations. 
I made some modifictions in the beam of the boat that kept me cautious at this point.

I added 6 inches to the beam.  I had to re-draw all the stations, making the neccessary adjustments.  The transom is wider by 4 inches.

I wanted a beamier hull for increased stability.  I discussed this with the designer, Arch Davis.  He wasn't too keen on the idea, with his major concern about keeping everything fair and true.  This is why I was very careful to check for fairness in the layout of the stringers at this phase of constuction.

Using the masking tape as layout guides, I glued on the stringer attachment blocks, shown here with the red and green spring clamps.  They will get screwed on when the glue dries.

I have started adding the Sitka Spruce stringers at this point.  This a fixture that I used to induce the needed twist in the stringers to hold them in place while the epoxy set up.

To twist the bow end of the stringers while gluing, I used a clamp and bungie cord.

Transom view showing the stringers all in place.
Note the rear seat bulkhead with the hole cut for the access port.
(more on this in the "fitting out" page)

In the next 4 pictures the keel has been installed.  I am checking for the correct bevel with the garbord stringer.
I used the marking gauge that Arch describes in the instruction manual.

 

The 7 ply laminated stem facing is being glued up here prior to planking.

Gluing up the transom face.  3/4" mahogany piece are biscuit joined together and glued with System Three T-88.

 

The transom face is being epoxied to the transom frame in the next 3 pictures.
35 spring clamps and 1 Carpenter Clamp hold the transom face in place while the epoxy cures.  
Probably overkill on the clamps.