Richard,
I did use Varithane this time around. My previous three boats have lots of varnish and after a few years if you don't stay on top of the maintenance every year you will be faced with a long process to in time and energy to get six good coats of varnish back on her. In the N. W. its difficult to get the right conditions long enough to have good success. I've spent many a day varnishing that I could have been on the water.

Varithane goes on thin but you can apply several coats the same day. My kayak is too new for me to know how well Varithane will hold up. I have to tell you that our wet weather conditions for much of the year takes its toll on varnish and I've tried lots of well thought of brands. Some go on easier and there's a variety of colors and thicknesses to solids to be had but the bottom line is durability and I'm still looking for the perfect combination.

Best wishes,

Stan