I would consider Zu Freeman's book. can't remember the name.
It's a skin on frame, very easy to build. you could easily cover it with
plywood so it would be s&g, & you could easily build it to accept
spray skirt.

stable boat, lots of space, more than enough for what your wife needs.

the book costs around $10 @ amazon.

oh, & by the way, everybody here will tell you your wife already has her boat.
now you should consider which boat you want to build for yourself. 8-P

Erez