Wow, thanks for the great reponses. I did check out Roger and Bill's sites already, as well as the archive for "walrus" and "skin on Frame", (and the baidarka list....) What do you think of adopting this building technique to Putz's lines. Would the plywood frames be stong enough? How bout the weight? Also, from looking at different folk's sites, it seems that many would consider a synthetic skin if they had to do it again. I found a few of the marine shops here have what I think is a PVC fabric, both fabric reinforced and just PVC (maybe vinyl?). Runs about $16 a yard, 60 & 72" width. No waterproofing would be required, but this stuff doesn't have much stretch to it. Am I in the right ballpark?
Oh yeah, what about laminating the deck beams from 1/4" stock instead of using solid wood? Stronger? Damn I wish that book would get here!

Thanks again,
-John