Ok I am using Ash for my ribs. I can't get the first and last rib to bend, every time I try it breaks on the grain. Now I have some 1/4 inch pine, should I use this for these two ribs? Should I be using somthing else? I am planning on useing the pine for the cockpit rim to.

Additionaly it looks like the bow ribs do not fit my keel line, I need to press down hard to get the keel to touch these ribs. On the #2 rib there is 7/8 gap betwene the rib and the keel. Is this normal or should I make new ribs that are longer?

Thanks,
Sage