I just made a coaming from lowes oak. It took a half an hour in my crappy steam box but it bend quite well. I broke two pieces before I figured out the timing. The advantage of Lowes/HD oak is you can find the perfect grain. It does bend quite well even if it is kiln(?) dried. Ask the question on qajaq forum and one of the brian's (Shulze?) can give some excellent info on making a coaming from short pieces.
As far as tips, expect to break one or two or three until you figure it out.
What did you use for ribs?
Scott