Setting up a frame, but this time it’s to build a boat

Posted on by David

I ordered the complete Great Auk kit which shipped with the building frame (you can also order the kit without, for example if you are building a second boat).

The strongback is the part of the building frame that runs the length of the boat and holds the forms in place. It needs to be as straight as possible so the kit includes some pre-cut 1/2″ plywood to be assembled. Plywood is easier to keep straight and true plus easier to ship in sections. Finding and shipping a 16′ 2×4 that is straight with no crown or warp is likely impossible.

The plywood comes with rabbits already cut
The sections come in 8′ lengths and are assembled with staggered joints to keep it straight and strong
Nailing down the form
Marking the strongback for the forms.
The result is a very square and very straight strongback which by the way is very “strong”.
Inserting the form onto the strongback. The form was then positioned at the proper spacing. The forms can be made from plywood or particle board. The kit come with particle board with the correct holes cut to fit the strongback.
See how easy that is?
The frame roughly ready to start. Note that I’ve started with the it upside down. That way I’ll finish the hull first then flip the whole unit to start on the deck.

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