Taylor,
No I didn't soak but that's a good question. That's partially why I added the flat area because I didn't think I could make the bend without it. The flat area made for a larger radius and less bend. I did some test bends to try to make the full radius that ended in a "pop". With this design I did it (bending with the grain) with no problem. I may run in to problems later as I plan on "armoring" the whole boat with 1/64 ply. I don't know how that bends but I assume not as good as balsa. So if you soak it, just water? Then you bend and hold and let dry before you instal? I'm learning stuff every day here.