I’m currently trying to build a slightly shortened Great Auk without using staples. I’ve finished stripping the hull and I’m starting the deck but I’m having problems with the first couple of deck strips.

The first strip on the deck transitions from almost vertical at the middle of the boat to horizontal over the span of a few forms. I can make the strip bend to fit the transition using a heat gun but I’m not sure what to do regarding the bevel. Should there be a rolling bevel along the entire length of the strip or should the bevel be only in specific area? I’ve experimented with several methods and I keep having a gap between the hull shear strip and the deck shear strip. I’d really be interested in knowing how anyone has handled this problem.

Thanks for your time.

Wes Burrous