Hi Dwight;

Regardless of how you apply the varnish, you will probably want to buff the final coat. Light wet sanding with progressively finer grits, followed by a buff, will produce a superior finish in all cases. These days 9-10" automotive buffers are available for 19.95, and would make fast work of a kayak even for an amateur.

I got pretty good at shooting lacquer (similar to varnish in lots of respects) in years gone by, and the difference between a sprayed final coat and a sanded & buffed final coat, ESPECIALLY for an amateur is night-and-day. More so for a brushed finish.

Best Regards, Spidey