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I'd recommend doing whatever pattern you want to do on your "FIRST" yak if it is a Stripper. You're at the end of the season (maybe not depending on where you live) and won't be paddling it until next spring anyway so take your time and be creative. You're right, there are some gorgeous designs and most surprisingly won't add that much extra time to the build schedule. You'd be amazed at what a few stratigically placed different variety of strips will do to the look. Even as a first time builder you should be able to do some intricate designs. Most of them are artistic challanging (coming up with the pattern), not construction challanging. Just adds more time.

I combined wood varieties with veneering on my Guillemot Double, which took somewhere in the 350 hour range to build over 5 months(I lost track). That's because I decided if this may be my only strip, so it will be unique. My veneering took an additional 50+ hours but it was worth it. I'd also recommend to go stapleless as well, which will add extra time as well.

But to be honest with you, if I do a second...it will be a S&G because of time (and it would be a single). Less time building...more time paddling. Whatever you decide will be right for you. May want to do a S&G for your first so you can enjoy the water and take more time on your Stripper as your second. But then again....once you start paddling...you may have so much fun you won't get back in the garage!!!

Good luck on your decision.

DAVE