: Just curious. All the descriptions and photos I've seen of hybrids have this
: combination. Never the other way around.

I think that given that when the kayak is hull side down, the deck is what is most often seen. Strip building allows for more flexability for patterns, etc. My personal preference is a 4 panel hull. It would be very difficult to hard chine a strip built hull. For more rounded shapes, it is pretty easy. 6 or 8 pannel S&G hulls are kind of a pain... more holes to drill, more smutz to lay in the gaps between the panels.
I'm working on an Osprey Std hybrid right now for my wife. It's an easy transition to a full blown strip built boat (Next on the list, after a deck, painting, and other misc. things on the honey-do list). I'm sure that there are other reasons, but I think the artistic freedom is the main driver for doing a hybrid.

Larry