> I'm getting ready to varnish my Pygmy Osprey Standard. Pygmy recommends
> varnishing only the deck and not the hull. Can anyone tell me the reason
> for this? Doesn't the hull require UV protection, too? Thanks for the
> help.

I am about 3 weeks behind you on the same boat. I think the real answer to that question is based on how and where the boat will be used and stored. If the boat is going to be stored indoors and used only occasionally for day paddling, varnishing the deck (which gets the most direct sunlight) my be all you need. However, if you are going to use it in extreme conditions for extended periods, or store it outside, then varnishing the entire boat would be a good idea. Even if you are going to expose the boat to only light use, varnishing the hull should extend the life of the epoxy.

Other factors to considers. Varnishing does enhance the beauty of the boat. It may also be a little easier to maintain a varnished boat. Sanding and reapplying varnish strikes me as being easier than sanding and reapplying epoxy.

At any rate, I do intend to varnish the my entire boat after I complete it. However the deck will probably get a few more coats than the hull.