: I've imagined a handful of devices - none as simple or clean as string.
: String's an excellent idea for getting it into position - but, what will
: force the wood to retain that shape once the string is untied?

Doug, it will once the entire structure is complete. On my frame the endmost frames and the reinforcement I added there did the most to lock in the rocker.

I liked the string method because it made it easy to remove and replace the frame from the jig. I developed the frame shape by guess and by eye, and made the stations to fit. Mr. Yost actually had the forethought to create his boats from a lines plan. What a concept!

Hope you put some photos up as you build.

Michael