Building the Optimist Strongback

The least complicated part of boat building is the strongback or base with which to attach the stations or molds. Clark Mills designed the Optimist with only three simple molds - bow, mid-frame, and transom. This strongback gives the builder a good base to attach the three cross-members that will set the precise distances for the bow, mid-frame and transom.


We are building three Optimist at once, so here is a quick look at our three strongbacks using the CABBS plans: