: I am at the same stage of construction with my kayak, though I am using C&B
: strips (stapleless). I found something that might help. I clamp the strip
: in place without glue, and heat the strip where it needs to twist using a
: heat gun. After the strip has cooled, it will retain much of the shape,
: and make it much easier to place properly which should reduce the stair
: stepping you have experienced.

: Rich Bechtold I also experienced the same difficulty. My brother , who has no knowlegde about strip building took one look and suggested the use of a "cinch" or "strap" clamp. I have not seen anyone mention the use of these devices. They are very cheap to buy $10 or so. They have a ratchet and nylon strap. You only need two or three. You can use reverse form shapes to avoid staircasing in the hollow sections of the hull. Where I really found a great use was for my deck. I went with the "no staple" method. By cinching the strap around the deck and hull there was no seperation between strips previousely glued. I can really jam the new strips in for a good fit. I put a long swoopy "S" design in the deck . By useing these clamps I found it easy to also avoid distorting th outline of my shape. P.S. I thank everyone for all info. I am glad to be able to put back. I will figure ou how to post pics soon. I am close to launch.