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Frames and Stringers

Setting up the frames is the most critical stage of your boat building project. Any error here will reflect on the plating and overall shape of the hull

1. Pull a strong thin line tightly across the strong back from bow to stern on the strong back centre line that was popped earlier.

2. Start with the first frame and put it onto its designated place on the strong back and make sure it is properly aligned transversely onto the pop marks on strong back. Dropped a plum bob down from the bottom centre mark popped onto the frame and align with the centre line pulled across the strong back. The centre pop mark on the headstock should also be aligned on the centre line. Tack weld the headstock to the strong back. Now uses a large rafter square an make sure the frame is aligned vertically and secure with a stiffener or gusset. Properly space weld the headstock and supports to strong back

3. Follow the same procedure until all the frames are in place. As a final check, make sure the distance at the bottom of the frames (keel side) and at the strong back are the same.

4. Now install the longitudinal stringers into their designated slots and only tack weld lightly to every third or fourth frame to keep the stringers in position. The stringers should be running smooth without any bumps or humps.

Here is a frame set-up on a strong back. This is an interesting project as it is actually a building "jig" - the stringers slops into slots and when the hull is completely plated, it is pulled off this former with the stringers attached to hull. In fact, it produces a frameless hull. Note: This is the framework of a "TOM THUMB 24" designed by Grahame ShannonHere is a frame set-up on a strong back. This is an interesting project as it is actually a building "jig" - the stringers slops into slots and when the hull is completely plated, it is pulled off this former with the stringers attached to hull. In fact, it produces a frameless hull.
Note: This is the framework of a "TOM THUMB 24" designed by Grahame Shannon

Frame set-up on strong back and the stringers are fitted. At this stage the stringers are still lying loose in their slots and are only lightly tacked welded to about every third Note: This is the framework of a radius chine DIX 65 designed by Dudley Dix.Frame set-up on strong back and the stringers are fitted. At this stage the stringers are still lying loose in their slots and are only lightly tacked welded to about every third
Note: This is the framework of a radius chine DIX 65 designed by Dudley Dix.

Another view of stringers getting fitted to a DIX 65 The boilermaker is Eddie WardenAnother view of stringers getting fitted to a DIX 65
The boilermaker is Eddie Warden

Inside view of frames and stringers installed on a DIX 65. Take not of how level and straight the headstock supports and keel floorsInside view of frames and stringers installed on a DIX 65. Take not of how level and straight the headstock supports and keel floors

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