An option you might consider is Epifanes wood gloss, which is a varnish-like product, with good UV inhibitors, but supposedly is a bit easier to apply, requires no sanding between coats, and dries more quickly. Epifanes evidently made it to compete with Cetol, a similar product used extensively in the boating industry for exterior teak and wood trim. Epifanes runs an ad in Wooden Boat magazine suggesting that one option is to use the wood gloss for the build up coats (it is a "high build" product), then use standard high gloss varnish as a finish coat. I'm considering doing that, and using a couple of regular varnish coats instead of just one. Can't say I've tried the combined system and can recommend it, but I can say that I have enough faith in Epifanes' products that I will probably do this once I get my kayak ready to varnish. Over on Epifanes' website, you can request technical literature on their products. I did that, got it very quickly, and the data sheets on each product give lots of helpful detail (dry times, sanding requirements, compatibility, etc). Hamilton Marine carries Epifanes products at very low and competitive prices, if you decide you're interested.

: Well, the Arctic Tern is almost finished and I'm in the boat shop with my new
: ROS trying in vain to get into the zen of sanding. A true Zen Master I'm
: not, as I'm getting increasingly concerned that the fiberglass weave is
: starting to show and there are still plenty of little shiny spots on the
: surface.

: Meanwhile I'm also worried about this "black art" of varnishing
: that I've heard is very easy for a newbie to screw up. I keep reminding
: myself that it's a kayak, not a coffee table, and with that thought in
: mind I wonder: "why not use one of the many finishing products that
: are made nearly idiotproof for homeowners to finish decks, siding,
: etc.?"

: Of course those are designed to soak into wood, not epoxy, but the question
: remains "Is there a product that is easier to apply and more reliable
: than varnish that will still give an acceptable finish?"

: Bardo