I always support the center of the strongback with a wood stick A-frame. This props up the middle and stiffens the whole form considerably (vertically AND laterally). If you build the hull first, this is quite important so that you don't get a 'hog' (sag) in the middle. If you build the deck first, support it anyway, but mildly incresed rocker is almost inconsequential. The laser level is a great idea and I considered it myself. My shop is in Somerville and I am about to start a new design so I may just take you up on that offer :)

Vaclav

> Hey guys,

> OK, I'm in the way early stages of building Joe Greenley's Silver. After
> attaching all the forms to the strongback, I was starting to feel like
> maybe my center line was suspect...and I was worried about moving on
> without feeling 100% sure that these forms were lined up right...so I blew
> $110 on a laser level. I've found that my strongback (a boxbeam built of
> 3/4 ply) was bowed in the middle. By about 7/16 of an inch. (I know this
> bowing is not uncommon). I've also confirmed that the floor itself is not
> level.

> Here's my question: is it ok if I don't correct the bowing and instead
> just go ahead and plumb the forms up using the laser level? can I be
> assured that the bowing won't get worse going forward and screw things up?

> p.s. If anyone in the Boston area wants to borrow the laser level, let me
> know! :)