I have had mixed success with the first strip. It is highly dependent on the wood. Some strips are more flexible than others. I use narrower strips when the full length strips don't go in voluntarily.

On method that really looks nice is to taper the ends of the strips to make them more flexible where it is required.

> I've gone for the staple option. I've been using 1/2" Black and
> Decker's "Powershots" and believe me, they staple the strip like
> shooting with a .45 Magnum.

> But the first strip was IMPOSSIBLE to staple. The Guillemot's sheer line
> is beautiful , but the 3-D curve it describes is really hard to achieve.
> Actually, I had to nail the piece in place. Maybe, nailing scrap strips to
> the hull side of the sheer line will help you a lot.

> Hope this helps

> Marcelo