Once you have the frames made, you have to set them up in the right position. Oddly enough, this process is called “Setting up”. (See, there are actually some terms in boatbuilding that are self-explanatory!) The primary thing is to get the frames secured exactly the correct distance from each other and at the proper level. You do this by using guidelines that you’ve transferred from your patterns and lofting to the frames themselves. For instance, you draw the center line on each frame, and align it under a string line on your strongback. Also, you can attach a cross spall to each frame at, say, the +24″ waterline. Then line these up as you erect the frames.
Finally, when you have everything as close as you can get it, break out the battens and lay them across the frames to look for high and low spots. Squat down and get your eyeball level with the batten. Look at it from all sides. Move it around. Take your time determining where to shave and where to shim. Once the batten touches all frames and looks fair to your eye, you’re ready to move on.
Needless to say, this is a tedious process. But it does come to an end, and the more accurate you are in your setup, the fairer your boat, and the easier things are down the road. Remember, you want a boat that is “eye-sweet and sea-kindly”. That doesn’t happen without effort!
