: I was planning to use 1/2" Ash and actually bought a board and cut
: 1/8" thick strips but since I didn't do a cockpit recess the
: transition from an almost flat rear deck and a peaked front deck means the
: strips have to not only curve around the radius of the cockpit but also
: upward to meet at the front of the cockpit and they really complained
: about the upward curve, wouldn't do it without bowing out at the sides.

: I thought about cutting the strips in half so they are 1/8" thick x
: 1/4" high but wasn't sure if that would help enough.

Ash strips this size should bend easily. If they won't bend readily, try a heat gun or steam them. I used 2, 1/4" x 1/4" ash strips to make the coaming lip on my SOF (1/4" thick x 1/2" deep). They were very flexible and easy to bend when steamed. I glued them up with Pro Bond polyurethane glue and it worked great.