I use the "with, against, and then with" method Rob mentions. Do not let it dry between wipes: Brush the area you are on with the grain, then immediately against the grain and then a final with the grain. It does do a nice job of applying an even coat.

Don't be nervous about the varnishing. I have made 3 boats and am on my fourth now. On my first boat I was very particular about the varnishing job and getting it super perfect. That's all and fine until that first mussel bed you run over and happen to misjudge when the slight swell will let you scrape the bottom. Then there is this time of year when the ice in the ocean coves does a good job of scraping the varnish. Yes, a nice smooth hull has less friction, but it never seems to last long if you use the boat. That being said, I do try to take extra care above the water line and especially on the deck. At least I only spend half the time really being picky.

Finish up that varnishing so you can get out there and paddle!
: As I read your post it seems like a good plan. I'm just finishing my first
: boat, an Osprey Std and the varnishing has me nervous. You talk about
: delineating a 16" square, going with the grain, across the grain, and
: finally with the grain. First question - do you let it dry after each of
: those passes or do you do all 3 passes at once? You go on to say that your
: 4" brush dipped about 1/2" into the varnish will cover that
: 16" square area. Is that all 3 passes or each dip covers one of those
: passes? Finally, is there a magic # of coats that one should apply or does
: it vary by brand of varnish? Thanks in advance!