I have finally completed the mounting all the moulds and bulkheads onto the strongback. This was a fiddly job but I may have made it worse for myself by being fussy about accuracy. I reborrowed Mike's dumpy level and checked each position along the strongback for level. Once these were levelled (a couple of spots needed shims up to 2mm thick) I was able to attach the uprights for the stations. These uprights were pine studs (90 x 35) that I ripped a true straightedge onto. I screwed these into the inside face of the two big beams at the positions that I had marked from the plans. You must make sure that you doublecheck as some measurements refer to the front of the station and some to the rear, The studs were made as plumb as possible using a tall level for accuracy.
The stations were then all placed on with the marked waterlines 800mm above the top of the strongback.
Following a great idea from Mike, I drilled a small hole (where necessary) at the intersection between the waterline mark and central axis (which I marked from the plans). This allowed me to set up a string line through all the moulds and bulkheads and check for level and centre.
Finally, I did it and feel very happy that everything is level and the boat will (or should) be straight!
I roughly cut the aft end of the stem to the bevel that will meet up with the sole and test fitted it. The pattern that I have for the keelson fit perfectly under the stem and into the slots at stations 2, 3 and 4.
Now, I have to insert the centreboard case, cut the keelson, then mount the keelson and stem (with glue) and I will be able to start planking. This is good timing as I was hoping to work on the planking during the kids school holidays (2 weeks away) which I will be having off as well.
