After building 2 Chesy 18's, I'm glad I listened to my wife. I wanted to paint the hull but my wife suggested all varnish. I love the look of wood all the way around and I get many compliments. In book THE KAYAK SHOP, Chris says people will look at the total picture and not notice the 'building flaws' when it's all varnish. I found Z-Spar Captain's varnish for only $15 per quart at Hamilton Marine in Maine (they do mail order).

THE KAYAK SHOP also suggests 4 coats of epoxy on the hull as well as the deck and 4 coats of varnish (less than a quart).

I attached the deck as per the instructions and have not had any problems with deck/hull joints or dings.

Pictures of my first boat are at http://www.ummed.edu/pub/g/ggwright/index2.html

Good Luck