My first Kayak, a Guillemont was built with only the rudimentary tools I already had, and a borrowed table saw. If you can get your hands on a table saw for a weekend, you can build a stripper for less than a CLC kit. You have to shop around for materials, but on the internet, with the help of this board, it was easy.

I figure my boat cost between $5-600. Biggest cost is the fiberglass, and epoxy (I used Raka). I used cedar and pine I found at home depot for less than $50.00.

Another advantage is that you can buy your materials as you need them, instead of shelling out a big chunck for a kit.

Good luck.