I was faced with a similar problem, but I didn't even own a stapler.

I resorted to using a new contact cement called Kwik Grip Advanced made by Selleys. It goes on white and dries clear.

It did a really good job of gluing the clear PVC to the wooden rails. It didn't seem to be as good at gluing the deck PVC to the hull PVC, so I ran Duct tape around the join.

It doesn't give you the option of pulling staples out to adjust the skin if you don't get it right first go, but it does hold.

As my current skin is just a temporary 0.1mm (0.004") one, I wasn't worried if it wasn't perfect.

10 hours paddling or about 70km later, it is still holding.