Hello Et

Your advice is well taken and builders should be aware that they will do plenty of damage to that varnish coat the first year of use. One of the things that make cedar strip kayaks so great is that you get a high quality paddler that can provide a lot of fun on the water. Any time I have something I enjoy and easy to use I use it a lot, A LOT.

For those of us who must perfect the look of the boat we can do so but we must then balance the joy we get from a furniture grade finish with easy launching and use. It is a wonderful thing to get a look that is stunning and fit to hang on the wall for all to see. No gaps, drips or runs and not a scratch in sight!

Then you get to paddle it and that look will fade as your love for the water exceedes your love of the varnish. Happens to me every time.

I am moving toward a reasonable compromise with a silica and graphite finish on the hull of my everyday paddler and a nice quality finish on the deck. At least I can limit my unusual level of care to the top of the boat.

As for those who wish to build to perfection. Go ahead and get that coffee table finish but be aware that it will only last as long as it is in the shop and if you enjoy the building process it is truly worth the effort. However if you just worry about what other guys are going to think about your work and maybe seeing a tiny gap or a varnish drip, then you are defeating the purpose of the build.

Do what you like but enjoy the boat.

Robert, Visionary
Im going to varnish the heck out of this SUP and then walk all over it.