For one-off hull construction wood strip is a super method.
When canoe and kayak manufacturers create new hull designs they build their test models with wood strip technology. These folks have the money to use any method they want.
I personally prefer S&G because it's simpler and takes about half the time. It's also easier to build ultralite hulls using S&G. But plywood will never give you that red cedar glow.
Charlie

: I'm starting my research into building my first sea kayak and I'm still
: coming to terms with different construction methods, materials, skill
: level and build times. I haven't yet really started looking at different
: designs. My question is: Is there any advantages/disadvantages in using
: foam instead of ply? A wood finish would be highly desirable, but from my
: limited experience, wouldn't a foam core construction be just as strong(if
: a little thicker), but considerably lighter?