Thanks, Glenn. I haven't seen any photos of what I'd described, and I've never read about it, either, so I thought it was abnormal. Maybe there should be a newbie posting category--I'd frequently use it.

: What you are seeing is perfectly normal. The "reference point" of
: the forms is the forward edge of the bow-ward forms and the rear edge of
: the stern-ward forms. Bow-ward and stern-ward being in relation to the
: widest form. If you want the strips to fit flush against the forms you
: will have to fair the forms, using the opposite edge as the reference
: point. However, if you do this, you will have to move all the forms by a
: distance equal to their thickness. Bow-ward forms would be moved bow-ward
: and the stern-ward forms would be moved stern-ward by 3/4" in your
: case. This would produce hull lines that are true to the design.

: Most builders don't bother with this step since it can be quite time
: consuming and exacting. Instead, they will use a multitude of methods to
: hold the strip in a fair curve along the reference points of all the
: forms. These methods can include staples, nails, hot glue, tape, bungee
: cord, rope, fishing line, or a variety of staple-less methods.

: There are many personal websites out there that document most of these
: methods. If you wish to use staples, hold a strip in position so it
: follows a fair curve touching the reference edge of a form and place the
: staples so they penetrate as close as possible to the edge of the forms at
: an angle toward the center of the boat. The staples would be positioned in
: a vertical fashion so both legs have maximum penetration. Also, use
: 9/16" "ceiling tile" staples which is the maximum length
: accepted by most staple guns.

: Glen in Baie-St-Paul.