: Interesting article, Dave. - John

Rather than soaking you may want to try steam bending. The drying time will be reduced. If you have access to back issues of "WoodenBoat" here are some articles on the subject culled from their online index. The designations are volume/page.

Steambox:/comments on use by Ed McClave, 88:50
Steambox:/comments on use by Simon Watts, 88:58
Steambox:/design/Jerry Stelmok, 142:55
Steambox:/examples from readers, photos, plans, 88:51
Steambox:/foam construction/Christopher Cunningham, 109:70
Steam-bending:/commentary by Simon Watts, 88:58
Steam-bending:/for building a Haisla dugout canoe, 69:64
Steam-bending:/wood characteristics for, 29:14
Steam-bending, canoe ribs:/technique/Jerry Stelmok, 29:68
Steam-bending, stems:/Rangeley Lake boat/Ed McClave, 33:74