> After varnishing the deck of my Pygmy Coho (Captain's varnish), I thought
> it looked really great -- but after using the boat a few times, I find
> that the varnish scratches really easily -- surface scratches as when
> putting a paddle under a bungee, etc.

> Are there any alternatives to varnish that have a harder surface --
> polyurethane, etc.? To me the varnish seems kind of soft for a surface
> that gets a lot of bumps and scrapes.

I have been using a Columbia Paint varnish for a few years that will take a catalyst hardener. It seems to work very well, you might consider looking for a catalyst for the varnish you are using.