I'd still like to try one with 1/8" (.125) strips, would I think need stringers to be strong enough, but with glassed foam stringers might still be lighter, also will take considerably more time than just stripping and finishing it the normal way. I like light weight.

1/8" thick strips do work and shed weight (figure 5-10% of the overall weight) but there are serious compromises. The usage of 1/8" strips totally depends on the usage of the kayak.

I've done a few off-shore race kayaks with 1/8" thick cedar decks reinforced with a layer of 3.22 TW glass on each side. The hulls were still 3/16" btw. Those come in around 27 lbs (12.25 kg) for a bare hull. Fully rigged is around 30 lb (13.6 kg). In high stress areas I do add some transverse strips of uni-directional carbon.

The 1/8" decks are definitely not as stiff (basic composite theory) nor as rugged but it's part of building light. You can really feel the softness when sanding and fairing the unglassed surface. You have to use a light touch so the surface does not deform. A layer of glass on each side does wonders though.

1/8" thick strips also work better with curved surfaces as the curves build some stiffness. Flat panels will sag.