> I'm still debating over painting or not,
> so if I don't paint, I'll try to bypass the nails.

On the Chesapeake 17 I built, I left it bright finished (i.e., unpainted) at the insistence of my S.O. who would be paddling it. I was not very keen on the concept since I wouldn't be able to hide my first-time builder "experiments," but what the heck. It turned out great just the same and the only thing people notice is the warmth and beauty of the wood, the fact that it's hand crafted, etc. I was fairly careful about spacing (and slightly countersinking) the brass nailheads and to my eye, it adds a contrasting, decorative touch.

If you do decide to go with a bright finish (a) make certain that you use an resin/hardner combination that is specifically for clear coating. (For West Systems, I believe it's their 105 resin/207 hardner and (b) make certain that your varnish has lots of UV protection and is compatible with the epoxy you're using.