Skin Boats are great! No need for molds or lofting. You just need 3 1x2's to get the shape. They are the cheapest way to get into kayaks, $200 in materials will be enough for a fine kayak. The only power tools you need are a skilsaw and drill. Ribs can be steambent or made of 3 separate pieces. If one uses lightweight wood the finished weight of a 17' kayak can be 30lbs.

Skin materials are- 3.7oz aircraft dacron which seems very light but is ok for light to moderate use , especially if rub strips are pegged/screwed to the keelson and chines either side of the keelson. You can use expensive fillers and aircraft quality coatings but they are not necessary as ordinary house paints will work fine. I've had success with Flecto's Waterborne Satin Diamond Outdoor finish , whatever paint you use try to get a paint that doesn't dry real hard as it could crack.

Ballistic nylon fabric comes in 8, 12, 26oz weights with 8 oz being suitable for moderate use and the last two for heavy use. Coatings vary from , sun deck coatings,satin polyurethane to expensive 2 part urethanes. The 2 part urethanes are maybe the best coating as they are thick and very tough , some are quite toxic to apply.

Polyester in 8 oz and heavier is a good choice, coat as per nylon.

Canvas is still a good choice , get it in 15 oz , crdaniels.com has good prices, coat with oil based paint mixed with boiled linseed oil. There are other fabrics used. For a first timer the 15oz canvas is a good choice. A nice stable kayak say 25" beam and hard chined will see more use than a narrow rocket style.

Skin boat links are - Harvey Golden's Website at home.pacifier.com/~qayaq/index.htm and arctickayaks.com and robroy.totalsports.net/baidarka/