: Ok I am using Ash for my ribs. I can't get the first and last rib to bend,
: every time I try it breaks on the grain.

: Additionaly it looks like the bow ribs do not fit my keel line, I need to
: press down hard to get the keel to touch these ribs. On the #2 rib there
: is 7/8 gap betwene the rib and the keel. Is this normal or should I make
: new ribs that are longer?

Assuming "first and last" means bow and stern, you can just make your rib stock thinner, which will bend easier. You are steam bending? Fine tuning can be done with a heat gun, in any case.
Also, it's fairly common for ribs to break there, where it is such a tight bend, so many folks just go with a two-piece rib in these sections.

Pine will likely not bend as well as Ash.

Assuming your keel is where you want it to be, and the ribs are also bent to the shape you want, then, yes, you need longer ribs.
Spacers filling the void between rib and keel or stringers is also fairly common. I'd go with the correct length of rib, first, though.

Good luck!
Dave