Check out OneOceanKayaks.com, there is all kinds of info on test panels, strips, plywood, epoxy, and a very good shop section that will walk you through a build with very good pictures, more in the strip section than in s&g but should answer all your questions.

Keep in mind that the construction methods you see here are decades old, and with some slight channges in material decades older still. Choose a proven design and follow the plan/kit instructions and you will do just fine. If you are still worried about a fragile boat just search for posts by Robert N Pruden for all kinds of stories about the abuse a plywood boat can take, sorry Rob ;^)

Tom