:Also consider using softwoods for the gunwales, etc.

... how about using softwoods for every other STRIP?

This would be the logical and simple thing to do...? Somebody must have tried it by now, and it probably isn't a good idea. But seems like similar construction works for paddles, soft and hardwood strips laminated together for maybe 1/4 less weight with similar strength. Would a strip-built hull be different in some essential way?

A non-professional will sometimes get such seemingly simple ideas as this, and boy are they bothersome, they come, and then they won't go away...