Check out this link:

http://www.topkayaker.net/Articles/Instruction/HullDesign.htm

As far as building, S & G is a lot easier than strip. Strip allows for smooth curves as well as creativity with the strips. I think strip produces a more beautiful craft but thats totally subjective.

I shall now place my head on the chopping block.

I like soft chine more than hard chine. I always find greater secondary and a much smoother transition along the secondary slope whereas hard chine seems to go to the capsize threshold much more quickly. There's so many variables in boat design that can influence performance, it's really a mute point to debate which is better. I paddle with hard and soft chine paddlers regularly and everyone is doing the same things. The fastest or most efficient hull is a half circle except it would be very unstable. Every design move you make from there is a compromise from this ideal.