You can have only two of high strength, light weight, and low cost. Choosing low cost and settling for low strength and high weight is a poor choice.
A typical fiberglass kayak might have the following properties
| Layup | Weight (Hull & Deck) | Strength | Material Cost |
| (AH) 80oz glass
- typical fiberglass hull & deck |
46# | 67 | $308 |
A typical wood strip kayak, in the sense that it is a common recommendation,
might have these properties:
| Layup | Weight (Hull & Deck) | Strength | Material Cost |
| (F) 6.0oz /.250"/ 12.0oz
(per other authors & builders) |
34# | 40 | $230 |
Compared to the typical fiberglass kayak the typical wood strip kayak is simply cheap, and weak.
There are better wood strip material options
| Layup | Weight (Hull & Deck) | Strength | Material Cost |
| (I) Wood & Glass | 28# | 70 | $320 |
| (O) Wood & Kevlar & Glass | 24# | 68 | $340 |
| (R) Wood & Kevlar | 21# | 90 | $1,420 |
These three layups were chosen to be as strong as the typical fiberglass layup. Each is also lighter and stronger than the typical wood strip boat. The first can be bright finished inside and outside. The second bright finished outside. Either of these is reasonably priced. The third is very strong, but priced out of reach except for very demanding situations.
Compared to these layups the typical wood strip kayak is simply cheap, weak, and heavy.
Coamings, seats, bulkheads and other items should add less than 5#.
If you or your builder does not choose to use reasonable materials assembled
in a reasonable manner, you do yourself a disservice.