All ribs are built in this manner. Setting the Ribs on the Strongback A strongback jig is also described in the plans. The ribs are set up on the jig and to their proper heights and locations to hold everything aligned while you complete the boat. The keelson is now attached to the center of the ribs. In the case of the Ozark Fishermen it's screwed down but some of the designs require bolting.
Epoxy glue is used to make sure everything is well attached.
These two longitudinal members are added by notching the ribs and epoxy gluing the members in place. They are screwed down to hold them while the epoxy cures. The frame members must be trimmed to match the curve of the planking that will eventually be attached to them. A block plane works well for light ribs, but on larger one, I like a drawknife. Be careful and patient at this step.