: I would think you might have problems trying to make the steam-bent wood
: conform to the interior edge of the cockpit opening even with the
: spreaders. But assuming you could get past that, it sounds doable.

If the cockpit opening were continuously curving,if the height was large enough so there was minimal differential stretch(I would assume 4-6in), when placed inside the resolving force is to the exterior thereby clamping it. The more the cockpit is circular, one may not even need clamps and spreaders at all.

The process might follow: place band i/s the cockpit w/ say 1in over lap - maybe some help here, slightly spread the top a bit and c-clamp hard the overlap. Make a saw cut in the outer overlap right at the over lap and lever it tight w/ a screwdriver. c-clamp and glue. scarf only the o/s one first, then continue the butt jt and scarf the last end.

whatever

-mick