: i thought somebody mentioned it on here, but couldn't find any reference to
: it in a search. thanks!

Boatbuilders (of non-kayak type boats, like sailboats and rowing boats) use Sikkens Marine Cetol a lot instead of varnish. It sinks in more, and touch up is easier. The finish is much like an oil finish. No mirror finishes to maintain, just wipe some on.

On my last sailboat I was going to use it on the spars and mahogany trim (gunwales, knees), but I weakened at the last minute and stuck with varnish over epoxy. The spars are already in need of touch up and already I am regretting it. Part of the problem for me is that by the time I get the gunwales, for example, glued and screwed in place, they are already half coated with epoxy. Preparing for a penetrating finish at that point seems like more work. I should just work neater, I suppose.

Ralph Merriman