If straight is parallel to the long axis of the boat and "bias" is any angle off of straight, then strength when bending along the axis will be reduced whiel strength in the direction of the bias angle will be increased by approximately the same amount. It is difficult to bend a boat in only one direction so as a practical matter, the overall strength of the boat will not change much.

> 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.