I used half inch strips at the chines too. I also used half inch strips when I got to the serious twist that happens right at the rear of the cockpit on the deck.

Seems like putting a dowel between 3/4" strips will just make larger flats (effectively making them 1 inch strips). If you're going to use 3/4" strips for the chines, why not shave the inner edge of the coves so that you can make sharper bends with the existing beads and coves?