: 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

: I have used Cetol for years and for boats that stay in the water all year it is great; but for boats, like kayaks that are in and out, I would not substitute it for varnish. If you don't like to varnish (which I do ) Cetol can give boats that stay in the water all year almost a year cover before recoating.
: 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