What is a strongback?

[HobbartMuddy]

I am complete novice attempting an ambitous project. I purchased the plans for Graeme Kings Recreational doublescull and I am having difficulty understanding them.

There is a diagram showing 'the strong back.
Is this just a construction on which the boat is built and then discarded. It is made from non marine grade materials.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Muddy

[ken mcclure]

Yes.

You're welcome.

[ken mcclure]

:D

Havin' a little fun there. Welcome to the group.

Yep, the strongback is simply a building frame that you set up to be absolutely square and level so that you get a nice straight boat. It can be discarded when you're done, or more likely will be recycled into a strongback for your next building project.

[Wild Dingo]

Well said Ken me ol mate! :cool:

And now over to you Muddy... next question! :D

Remember also.. when its all giving you the flamin heebeejeebees just get into that old soft comfortable moaning chair... errr you have found yourself one havent you??... if not go right out and get one!! Most precious peice of equipment you can get... anyway... sit in that soft comfy place and you will feel the edges of your lips slowly raising as the frown lines gradually leave as enlightenment starts to dawn then the smile widens the lips curl into a huge massive grin... and you suddenly jump to your feet "flamin Eureka!!!" you will yell and then into the job at hand you'll be sawing and sanding till theres no tomorrow and then she will sit all shiney and done pleading you to take her out for a run... but you know you will probably sigh and then eye a new set of plans for something else will have taken your eye and so you will use that strongback for the next build and the next and the next and on and on...

Or so Im told!! :D

Welcome aboard Muddy me old matey!! :cool:

Take it easy
Shane

[ishmael]

What Ken and Shane said, and that it's a pretty important construction. Getting it level and flat and strong are the foundations to a good boat.

Best of luck,

Jack

[jeff pierce]

Strong back, eh? That's something I haven't had since that weight room injury in my college days...Oh, strongback...nevermind :D

[JimConlin]

What Ken said.
For light boats, and the boat you're building certainly is, I've taken a slightly different approach to the strongback. I've built a light ,straight, stiff box beam as strongback and set it on sawhorses, milk crates, etc. If you need to move it about, no problem. If you want it higher or lower or tilted, no problem.
For smaller boats, a box consisting of a couple of straight dry 2x4 sides and plywood top & bottom is fine. For larger boats substitute those i-beam joists for the 2x4's. They're still pretty light. A 26' beam weighs maybe 150#.

I hope you'll keep us informed of your progress. Looks like a fun boat.

[HobbartMuddy]

Thanks to all for your assistance.
I am sure I will be back with more Q's soon.
Muddy