: Before I go making my strongback, I would like to confirm the
: length required. I will be building the Expedition single, CLC's
: site indicates approx 16'10", I figure from the markings on
: the forms that 17' is the required length. Has anyone built this
: particular craft, and what length strongback did you use?
: Also, has anyone built an adjustable length strongback and how did
: that work out?
: Thanks!

: Jason

The strongback needs to be a little shorter than the distance between the forms.

Why?

Nick's book explains it well. The paper forms are mounted on material (usually 1/2" thick or thereabouts), and the bits of paper need to be facing outwards so that the strips can touch the edge of the paper.

The end forms will be mounted on the ends of the strongback. So to get the bits of *paper* 17' apart, you need to allow for the thickness of the material you've used to mount the paper forms on. If your material you use for the forms is 1/2" thick, then your strongback needs to be 16'11" long.

Cheers, Ian