What you are seeing is perfectly normal. The "reference point" of the forms is the forward edge of the bow-ward forms and the rear edge of the stern-ward forms. Bow-ward and stern-ward being in relation to the widest form. If you want the strips to fit flush against the forms you will have to fair the forms, using the opposite edge as the reference point. However, if you do this, you will have to move all the forms by a distance equal to their thickness. Bow-ward forms would be moved bow-ward and the stern-ward forms would be moved stern-ward by 3/4" in your case. This would produce hull lines that are true to the design.

Most builders don't bother with this step since it can be quite time consuming and exacting. Instead, they will use a multitude of methods to hold the strip in a fair curve along the reference points of all the forms. These methods can include staples, nails, hot glue, tape, bungee cord, rope, fishing line, or a variety of staple-less methods.

There are many personal websites out there that document most of these methods. If you wish to use staples, hold a strip in position so it follows a fair curve touching the reference edge of a form and place the staples so they penetrate as close as possible to the edge of the forms at an angle toward the center of the boat. The staples would be positioned in a vertical fashion so both legs have maximum penetration. Also, use 9/16" "ceiling tile" staples which is the maximum length accepted by most staple guns.

Glen in Baie-St-Paul.