hi sid,the taper for bow, let just say we are tapering that end,you taper the side that is going to be placed to the last plank laid.now the tip of the taper should not be more then half a plank width.not only do you taper but you have to bevel as well.again the bevel is on the side that is going to be laid to the last plank.this is to counteract the bulge of the hull and prevents gaps in the planking.if you take a look at my build I explain it there.

an other tip is when you need to start tappering the planks lay a plank[a] next to the plank which is fitted next lay a plank[b] next to it and pin it do not glue where it will run stright remove plank[a] and bend plank [b] to the bow or the stern do not force the plank let it bend natural this will show you where the taper starts and needs to be take of plank[a] i usely slip a pice of plank allong the gap to find the start of the taper