Find the center. Measure from side to side and be sure that you are centered down the keel. I used a string down the stern and keel to help with alignment. I was real uncomfortable trying to epoxy all the pieces at once so I went for the three day set-up. Dry fit all the pieces--narrow the diameter on the second rings so that the second rings fit well with the one-piece . Ditto on the clamps. Remember that the clamps will dent the one-piece ring so use some cardboard under the clamp foot. I used 35 grit adhesive wrapped around a BIG dowel that really evened out the steps. The finish looks great. All those laminations smooth up nicely. I built a Tred Avon last spring with three coamings and a Ches 18 in '97 so I have the coamings some-what dialed in. Good luck. Brian