I want to build a stripper kayak as cheaply as possible: I want to layout my own plans from Nick's book, I want to cut my own strips, I want to buy my glass from RAKA, etc.

I want to walk into my local lumberyard and buy some boards, take them home, rip and strip. Around here (the central coast of California) there is no cedar in the Home Depots, but lots of cheap redwood. How good is redwood for kayaks?

Will my kayak be heavier? Weaker? Will it be harder to build?

Any information would be most appreciated. Thanks!