: If anyone has suggestions on a boat/kit SOF, s/l or strip that might fit the
: bill, please chime in.
: Thanks

OK, I have a suggestion. You are exactly the right size for a Tom Yost designed Sea Rover, or Sea Rider - both excellent boats that handle superbly and that will take a minimum of skill, tools, time, materials and costs to construct.

There are complete building instructions - for free - on Tom's site and any number of people willing to guide you through any rough spots. Build a wooden framed, non-folding version and you can be done in a week or two, for about $150 and you'll get a great boat in the bargain. These are non-traditional SOF boats, btw, and definitely the best bang for the buck in the kayak building world. Yes, I'm a convert and biased.
www.yostwerks.com

Here's a pic of my own Sea Rover (which I have posted here ad nauseam). It rocks and I love it. Errr, for an hour at a time - then I need to move my legs. You are smaller and it would be perfect. The Sea Rider is a bit bigger boat.

Anyway, welcome to the kayak building world. It's addictive! And fun and very rewarding, no matter what you end up building. And remember, there's always the next boat!

Have fun and don't sweat your mistakes!
Dave