Outdoor strongback for lapstrake ply build

[colinpr]

I'm forced outdoors to build a 15ft lapstrake ply daysailer and have been pondering how best to create a flat, stable bed for the strongback.

Every hour or so a new option springs to mind :confused:, but would greatly appreciate hearing of something that has actually worked.

My history of great ideas isn't consistently good. Luckily people like me can rely on good designers who produce good sets of plans.

Thanks, Colin.

[Thorne]

What design? Many books have various plans for strongbacks, so they shouldn't need much modification for outdoor use. I assume you'll have some sort of cover over the boat during build?

Can you use pierblocks or other solid material for a level footing?

[JimConlin]

I have a couple of box beams for use as strongbacks. The good one is made from I-beam joists that are used hereabouts. It's been outdoors for much of its life and has been quite stable.

[colinpr]

What design? Many books have various plans for strongbacks, so they shouldn't need much modification for outdoor use. I assume you'll have some sort of cover over the boat during build?

Can you use pierblocks or other solid material for a level footing?

Thanks - I may not have been too clear.

It is the level, stable footings I'm concerned about over a significant period of weekend building. The frame is under control.

The design is a Phoenix III by Ross Lillistone.

Colin

[pipefitter]

I concreted in T's made out of PT 2x4. They were more stable than 4x4's and It was a way to make crooked lumber straight straight and more stable. I set the posts plumb and used a water hose level to set the strong back. It stayed put for 3 years and was easy to remove when the boat was completed.

http://home.earthlink.net/~tigmaster41/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/00610016.jpg

Then when I was ready to flip the hull over, I shortened the posts and used the remnants of the jig to build a cradle for the rest of the build.

http://home.earthlink.net/~tigmaster41/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/00610021.jpg

It was nice to have a jig setup that didn't move around.

[johngsandusky]

I went simpler with a multichine 11' dinghy. I cut 2x4 to a taper and pounded them into the ground, then fastened the ladder frame to them. After the winter I releveled them with a sledge. I think I used at least six stakes. By the next winter the hull was planked.