WOW!

Now that is what you could call a strongback!

I am building a strongback [center style] for a kayak based on laminating two 2x4s. The strongback will have a bolted lap joint in the center for storage convenience and to allow for length changes.

The last 2 feet of the strongback will be a single 2x4 to suit the smaller forms. These ends will bolt on so that they can be customized or changed to suit.

I plan on dressing the nominal 1 1/2" widths down to 1 1/8" or so and then gluing them together "straight" using a stretched string for reference. For my requirement, the finished width on the strongback will be determined, in part, by the forms that have to be put on it and I don't want it too wide. When working over the strongback this width consideration does not apply and spacing the 2x4 [like a narrow ladder] would be preferable.

I am hoping that by setting the grain patterns to advantage and having the extra width that a glued beam will be more ridged and less inclined to warp than a single piece of wood.

Hope this helps, enjoy your building.

Hank