Do you want to avoid staples or did I make it sound like you should not use staples on the starter strip? If you don't mind staples, by-all-means use them. You might even want to try finish nails or sheetrock screws if you are having a lot of problems and don't mind larger holes.

If you don't want staple holes, you will need clamps. The "U" shaped jigs shown on page 80 work pretty well along with a spring clamp to hold the strips. For your first strips, use these jigs below the strip, so you can put the next strip on without removing the clamps.

Narrower strips will help you for the first one. The Little Auk is relatively short and fat and as a result has some pretty tight curves to deal with. This makes it harder in some ways than a larger boat.

> I've just started puting together the strongback for Nick Shade's 'Little
> Auk' and am planning to strip it without staples. I've read many great
> ideas and techniques on the procedure, but am buffaloed on how the starter
> strip at the shear line stays put with out staples.