:- can anyone direct me to the right place for information.

There is a local kayak builders e-group which is well worth joining. http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/NZkayakbuilders/ They can help you with any questions. The terminology is slightly different here then overseas. i.e. Okoume ply is called Gaboon and minicell foam - gold (seems that way when trying to find a cheap source). We also have different types of epoxy,woods, etc. Some members may also be from your area which could help in trying out different designs.

: 1 what gear will i need around the house?

Brought all I needed for an S&G for $400NZ, had no tools at all before starting. The only extra tool you will need for a strip is a router. You have probably already got most of tools around the house.

: 2 knowing what my woodwork skills are like is it really worth it - are the
: plans overed easy to read?

If I can build one then you can. My skills where non-existent!

: 3 what designs do you think will suit a 100kg sea paddler who wants to paddle
: cape rienga to cape kidnappers by the end of 2003?

For those of you from overseas, he is looking at approx. 1200km paddling in an open ocean environment.
You will need an expedition design, large enough to carry a weeks camping equip, and capable of handling rough ocean conditions. What sort of building technique are you thinking off? A ply stitch and glue would be faster to build (more time for training) but a strip kayak could be built in different hull shapes.

Can anybody on the forum advise on which is a stronger construction method - Strip or S&G?