Has anybody ever tried rubbing-on varnish to build the coats? The only reason I keep posting this reply is that I've tried the foam brushes and they seem to fall apart. Brushes all streak to varying degrees. I learned a trick (Fine Woodworking, and some guy at Cut and Dried Hardwood) and have been happy with the results:
using Epiphanes or Interlux (only one's I've used, don't know about others but I imagine there's no difference), mixed some Interlux 333 (a simliar dilutant will work) to thin it a bit, then used a sheet of the BLUE Scott towel (pressed cellulose fiber that doesn't shed). I dip some and work rapidly rubbing it on then a linear sweep working forward over the surface. With practice you can do the deck or hull in under three minutes. This builds coats fast and fairly evenly, light sanding between coats to adhere.
I imagine with each method one gets really good at it, but I've always been a rub-on finish type for all the woodworking I do and have done.