Wow, that really points up how small details make all the difference.

I've found the temperature control on a good glue gun to be another important variable. The same glue at a different temperature works quite differently.

I found a glue stick with high strength in tension but low sheer strength (HS-102 from http://www.hot-stick.com but they no longer seem to stock it). This is good a holding a strip down, but breaks off the form relatively easily. Rob may have a better specific recommendation. With craft grade glue you should test every new purchase because formula's change.

I then set the glue gun to about 325 (according the questionably calibrated dial on the gun). Hotter it bonds better, cooler it doesn't bond as well. You want the bond good enough to hold a strip, but not so good you can't break off the forms.

If you squeeze the strip tight against the form it cools almost immediately. Any small gap will drastically increase the setting time. Because of this I taper my forms when I'm using hot glue where I usually don't bother, but it speeds up the hot melt cooling time.

A smaller glue dot also cools faster and leaves less squeeze out that may remain stuck to the boat. For a variety of different gun nozzles check out http://www.hot-stick.com/glue-guns/glue-gun-accessory-nozzles.html

BTW, temperature in the shop when you go to break the forms out will make a difference as well. A cool shop makes the glue a bit more brittle and a warm shop a bit more tenacious.

Anyone trying to do Rob's hot melt technique for the first time should be prepared to do a lot of experimentation before they dial in their own technique. Don't expect to pick up a cheap gun at HomeDepot and what ever glue sticks are hanging next to them and hope for perfect results right off the bat. The system can work very well, but like anything, takes practice.

A system of clamps may work better for some people just because there are fewer variables. Frankly, if it is your first boat, you have more important issues to worry about than staple holes. A boat with well fitted strips and a staple holes looks much better than buggered up fitting and no holes. Just getting good, tight fits takes a lot of practice, the temperature of your glue gun is only a distraction from learning more important issues.