: I have no preference between stitch and glue or strip built. I don't have any
: significant woodworking experience so as much as I'd like to build from
: plans, I think I need to stick with a kit.

Patsy,

My bias would be for a strip built boat. It may require a few mor hours to build but the work is so much more enjoyable. SG boats do not leave much room for expression. The panels are precut and I think they look better with paint then unfinished. They can be built slightly lighter and cheeper though. Strip built boats can also be light- 38lbs give or take. They also look soooo good. The process is easy- sometimes easier the SG method. You also have much more variabilty in design with strippers. Guillemots for example would be very difficult to S&G due to their curves. I built a stripper 14' for around $700.00 but I stripped my own boards. I do agree with the prior post that you should attempt to get to the Newfound rendevous. Seeing all the models first hand is the best way to decide. Good luck on your exciting new adventure- it wil be loads of fun.
cheeers
rick