You might not "need" a fairing board, but you might find one helpful. Bob Mack's article is excellent, but it seems to depend on having done a perfect job of stripping. The problem with using blocks, pads, and the RO sander is the tendency to "hang around" in one spot-you could be working on a bulge, and actually create a dip. Whether you use blocks or a fairing board it is important to make LONG moves along the boat.