: Another boat builder explained to me that it was possible to build without
: staple holes by placing screws every inch on the face of each form. The
: shear strip would be tacked in place, but on every other strip you would
: wrap a string around a screw, under the shear strip, over the next higher
: strip, then back down to the screw where you would tie it off. It's acts
: as a clamp. Has anyone ever heard of this or tried it? I realize it will
: take longer, but is it really that much of a hassle?

: Ross

That is a lot of screws, which would only add to your cost -- and might get in your way. The basic idea of having somewhere to attach strings for tying things down is good, though.

Why not just drill 1/4 inch holes every inch or so, roughly in the same locations you would put those screws. Then poke in a 2 to 3 inch long wooden 1/4 inch dowel, or a 1/4 inch bolt. Since the bolt or dowel goes through the hole you can tie off on either side of the form. Once the glue hardens you can remove the dowel or bolt (just a gentle tap with a hammer should do) and move it up to the next hole so it is ready for the next strip.

All those holes will lighten your frames by an insignificant amount, but screws will definately make them heavier, and thicker, which means they will be harder to store later on.

If you have a drill press you can keep the holes neater, and maybe drill them a bit faster, but a hand drill will work just fine.

If the string is not sufficient to pull the strip into contact with the form, you can use a C clamp. The side of a 1/4 inch bolt is a lot stronger base for that clamp than a common wood screw.

hope this helps

Paul G. Jacobson