planking, how much bowing is too much?

[1stnewyorker]

I am again turning to the infinite wisdom found on woodenboat forum to answer what is probably a stupid question. I am fastening the third strake (binder) on my 23-foot dory, and I'm finding that to get the hood-end of the plank to sit flush on the surface of the stem, I have to use multiple clamps to "cup" the plank. The total amount of cupping is aproximately 1/16th to 1/8 of an inch (the plank is 8 1/2 inches wide including the lap). Is it normal to have to do this, or did I screw the fairing up somewhere? (So far my fairing has been great). Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Thad]

I'd say that if there is a problem it would be with the spiling and the bevels (bow and stern) leading you to bring the plank in sharper on the top than the bottom. That said, when you bend a plank and then twist, you do get a cup effect. 1/16 to 1/8 in 8 inches may not be too much and you may not split your plank. Hope.

[Paul Scheuer]

I think it's to be expected. I'm thinking of a flat-bottomed, flat-sided boat with a stem that is curved. The intersection of the planking with the stem bevel has to have a slight curve. Think of a very blunt nose. What am I missing ?
Maybe pics would help.

[1stnewyorker]

I think you're both right. I'm just suffering a case of rookie jitters twisting my binder.