How about a Yost SeeBee 13 if you are OK with SOF.
Lighter than most, certainly better performance than plastic.
Very nice to paddle (SOF is quieter than all others)
Cheap unless you gold plate it like I do.

Appearance will be mostly in how you paint it but you can make some nice accents in the coaming and carrying handles (if you want). You can use other techniques rather than stitching to put the skin on. I have also increased the size of the cockpit and raised the fwd cockpit end to make it easier for my stiff legs to get into.