David, I'm completing a 'tern as well, but didn't have any problems with getting the the keel strip lay down on the bow & stern. I wasn't stingy with the epoxy, putting down a coat under the thick tape before laying it down on top and wetting out. I think the key was starting at the bow and clamping the extra couple of inches of the tape to the undersides and then being sure to keep a good amount of tension on the strip as I put it down along the curve of the bow. As a newbie as well, I'm amazed how much the tape actually "gives" once wetted out. Yes, there were a couple of bumps along the tighter curve of the stern, but once fully cured, these were dispatched with my new favorite tool the ROS. Also, while the tape was still green, I used a razor knife to cut down the upstanding edges (one side was significantly more pronounced than the other). At this stage I can still see some of the weave, but the edges feather nicely to the hull. Finally, it is a sacrificial strip after all, so don't worry about sanding/scraping it down to where you can live with the look. When you get to wiring up the deck panels, I've got a cautionary tale to relate. Cheers Chuck