Rick-
Different people mean different things with the term "play boat'...for me, it's mostly just a fun day-paddling boat that's very responsive to edging/paddle input, turns easily (good for taking classes, rolling) etc. For most of the folks around here (BC, Canada) 'play boat' means something to smash up against the rocks on occasion! ;-)

For the 'rough stuff' a plastic boat would be a better bet- banging around in eddies and crunching barnacles is mentally tough, if it's a boat you've put a lot of hours into. Delphin, Tempest, or similar. It would be a good idea IMO to have a look at (and sit in) some of the commercial boats to get an idea of how the thigh braces, seat, etc are arranged, if possible.

Have you built a kayak before?