The first few strips were quite difficult. Starting from the back, the laid flat and then slowly rotated to vertical along the cockpit but by the time the strips connected to bow, they were flat again twisting 90 degrees in less than 30″. The first strip I used gave out and snapped at about that 30″ location. I selected a better strip and this time when I got to about 45 degrees of twist, I clamped the strip and used a spray bottle to soak the cedar, letting it dry overnight.
The next day when I released the clamp, the strip only sprung half way back. At that point I was able to twist the strip to the position and angle I needed at the bow.
For the design for the deck, I thought center strips running from the cockpit back to the stern would look cool. I decided the front would have a less focused look. (by the way, that will eventually change)
As you can see from the image on the left, the stern went together in a much more orderly manner.