> 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

The utility of being able to wheelbarrow the kayak (on a slightly modified longitudinally oriented sawhorse) around is something that I'd be loathe to give up, as well as being able to rotate it on it's axis in order to support the beer cans.

If stiffness is even close to an issue, maybe another similar approach would be to build one 8ft 3inx5in box strongback, w 2 others at 2inx4in by say 7ft long. One of the small ones w/ a pin 1inx3in by 12in, sticking out 6in.

Thread the 2 small ones inside the long one - and they pin together. Prob real stiff. Easy to store. Make another shorter small one for the small kayaks.

-mick