HI and welcome a board,
Fuselage frame Skin on frame kayaks are an option too. They are quick, fun to build,and relatively inexpensive to build. Plus, if given reasonable care can last for years. Take a look at boats offered by Jeff Horton at Kudzucraf.com and Dave Gentry at gentrycustomcraft.com. You can buy just plans or kits from boat of these gentlemen. Also George Dyson sells skin materials at very reasonable prices.
If I were starting boat building all over that is the type of boat I would start with. For better or worst I am way past the starting point in my boats building interests (or as my wife claims obsession).
But remember no matter what you decide to buy or build the point is to HAVE FUN!!

Keep Smilin',
John VB

I agree 100% as this was what I did. My first build was a SOF and my 2nd was a stitch and glue canoe. The skills were complimentary and weren't difficult to pick up. And they were extremely rewarding once I was done. The SOF went to the wife who won't paddle anything else. An excellent alternative to the options listed above are Tom Yost's site which is a treasure trove of plans, offsets and techniques, all for free.

Daniel