Model Expo sells a line of models made by Model Shipways. They are one of the few wooden ship model companies still going. I recommend what you suggested. Start with something manageable.
The Phantom Pilot Boat is available as a solid hull. It’s very handsome when finished.
Wooden model ship kits come in several basic forms. Solid hull is just that. The blank is shaped and usually can be built as is, or cleaned up a little should you choose. The builder adds deck planks, keel and rudder. Bulwark rail caps.
The other type, with variations, is plank on bulkhead or plank on frame. The kit supplies a series of inner structural pieces laser cut from sheet, or to be cut from patterns. Once you assemble those, planks are added in several layers. It takes some experience and the right set up to get those right.
I really suggest anyone without a fair amount of experience steer clear of any complicated subject. And in particular those big European ship kits- they have very rocky reputations and require a lot of work. HECEPOBs Tilley would say- hideously expensive Central European plank on bulkheads. Fabulous stuff when done well but very challenging.
I confess a complete bias for relatively large scale models of fishing schooners, sloops of war, little brigs. Even a solid hull kit can be sheathed if wanted.
When you open the box, you’ll see a shaped hull blank and a lot of straight dowels and wood strips. Plus some metal castings. And thread.
A skill that you need is to be able to build from drawings. Most kits from Model Shipways or Blue Jacket come with very good ones.
This discussion belongs in Ships to be more useful to you.
Theres a really swell build there of schooner Bluenose, exactly what I’m trying to describe but most instructive as a build.
I do not share the enthusiasm for Tamiya paints on wood. They don’t have a sanding primer, and paint that wet will lift the grain. But it works for some I guess and give some different paints tests on scrap.
Good luck!