I once had a Stanley 608, where the prior owner had fitted a curved "shoe" to
the sole, and ground the blade to match the curve.  I had been told it was a
pattern maker's modification, but see no reason a boat builder couldn't do this.
The amount of backing out will vary by where on the boat you are.  Near the
sheer, up by the gunnels, the amount would be less than near the chine.  Of
course this depends on the hull form, with "tender" hulls needing a more uniform
backing than those with relatively hard chines.
I'd take a #4 Smoother, make up a variety of shoes with matching blades.  The
shoe is little more than a hardwood plank same length as the plane, with the
outside rounded athwarts, attached with counter-sunk screws.
The plank should bear against the ribs along the full width, at all stations
along the length.
If you make a template of each profile you can check those against the ribs at
each station to choose the correct shoe and blade.
Michael Filler


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