Brian,

To answer your questions:

No, I do not have a form,as such, but I did manage to bend both of the previous steam bends using the boat itself as a form. The first bend was the most difficult, since I had to keep it on the edge of the opening while it stiffened up. I had 2 people hold it there until it could get clamps on it. I did the bend in 3 stages. First I bent the midsection that would curve around your back as you sit in the kayak. Then I bent the ends in 2 more steams. I then glued the strip to the edge of the hole, clamping it in place. The second piece was not as hard, since I had the first piece to use as a form, sort of. I did a 3 stage bend on it also, but have yet to attach it to the inside of the first strip. (in recounting this whole fiasco, I find it difficult to believe that I was trying to avoid work by doing it this way..Ha!)

As to the lip thickness, I am at about 5/16". You are quickly convincing me to go with at least two strips for the lip.

Have a good weekend. I will be away from the computer. Thanks again for your valuable advice! - Scott