Stan has it right, a perfect finish is great - if you use it for a coffee table. I finished my Guillemot this January (I'm in Texas), and it has at least one scratch or ding for each of the 20 or so times I've had it out. (Yes, there is a lot of good paddling around Austin.) It still draws a number of appreciative comments wherever I take it. (I even hear oohs and aahs from the sparkle-finish, glastron tri-hull set.)

> 4 - 8 total coats seems to be the range.

> Before you get too frustrated/ concerned about the 'quality' of the
> finish, remember that this surface will get bumped, scraped, nicked,
> dinged, have paddles run across it, etc.... I think you get the idea.