> Leo Lazauskas at the University of Adelaide did some work on hard chines
> vs. rounded hulls and concluded that there is very little difference
> between them as concerns resistance. Make it look good to your own tastes.
> So long as it's symmetrical it will make very little difference in
> performance.

> Fiberglass cloth (even the lighter weights) don't bend around tight radii
> very well. They do better in that regard when laid on the bias, but that
> orientation will sacrifice longitudinal strength. Gougeon says that laying
> the glass on a 15 degree bias can reduce strength along the keel by 40%!
> So, to maximize strength and to make the glassing go more smoothly leave a
> 1/4" radius on your tightest edges. It will pay big dividends for you
> when you get to that step.

After reading some of the 'differences of opinions' during the past several weeks, I am hesitant to ask for fear of fanning any flames but here goes...

By "laid on the bias" do you mean putting the cloth on at an angle? If so, and this is said to reduce strength by no small amount, then should I disregard the instructions I have that say to do so. I believe that the instructions I have suggest putting the cloth on diagonally as a way to 'get more mileage' out of the cloth, but I worry now that in an attempt to save some money that I might end up with a considerably weakened hull.