Paul, thanks for your response. The issue is a bit more annoying: It's not getting them clamped for hot-melt, it's getting the hot-melt to hold afterwards--even when clamped overnight before releasing, using high-adhesion glue. In one spot, I've added a small pine block to the side of the form, shsped to fit the hull inside, to add more glue area over 5-6 strips; I don't know yet whether that will work.
Obviously, the ultimate solution involves a nail or two, but I'm looking for other tricks besides that one. Using an external form in a couple of spots may be part of what needs to be done--but I'd really like to know that the strips will stay in place when it's time to fiberglass the outside.

TIA,
Craig

: Don't use a glue you'll have to cut out. Instead, go with more creative
: clamping. Why not use a scrap of wood and a deck screw? Position the wood
: scrap so it overlaps at least half the width of the strip, and then screw
: it to the edge of the form, putting the screw close to the strip -- but
: not quite touching it. Tighten up the screw by hand and as it draws tight
: it will pull that strip tight against the forms.

: When the glue sets, pull off this "clamp" and the next strip you
: apply will lay on top of the screw hole. You just move the clamp right
: along, marching it into position to hold that next strip.

: If you are putting on strips two, or three at a time, jsut use a slightly
: longer scrap of wood which will cover all the strips you are applying. To
: keep the pressure even on all the strips you may need to put a shim, under
: the screw, or behind it. A scrap piece from a wood strip is just the right
: size for such a shim.

: Hope this helps

: PGJ