From the Ol Boat Builder: I've built 'em and I've bought em.
Bought is better: Reason- If you've sailed something long enough to know what is right about a boat and what isn't, well, than that is a horse of a different color.

Otherwise- sad story follows: A good friend built a plywood "Hobie cat" out of 1/4 inch plywood against my strong suggestion: granted it was to spend time with a male teen-aged child. This was rather than going sailing with me on my plastic cat that actually worked (numerous offers were made).
Short story: I think saw it in the lake once, never saw it sailed, left behind when they moved as junk. Looked terrible.

PS: For my first boat- the plywood skins were put on the frame by my dad. I was 15 and had lost interest in this INTERMIDABLY LONG job: at least I then painted and glassed it- and still have it!