Hi Dean:

I don't have a mental image of your boat's sheerline, but my Guillemot Expedition Single's sheers were both one, scarfed, full width strip. don't be afraid to make it a little on the longish side. I trimmed mine a little short to begin. But with respect to the bending issue, be gentle but firm and the strip will probably comply. Are you using staples? Maybe you could place that first strip a little at a time, like a form or two per day to not rush the wood into bending if you're worried about it breaking. Also, heat and steam can add flexibility to the strip.

Just blue skyin' here...

Ed Valley