: I am thinking paint, too.
Noooooooo!

Worst case, you could maybe put some strategic automotive tape in creative places. For no real reason, I am going to put a highlight strip of paua shell just above my sheer line (in a weeks time) - that will hide a few stitch holes and a bit of an over liberal dose of dookie scmooze at the ends. I reckon, most of the time people won't see your boat close up because of distance from shore/spray as you paddle into the sunset.

: The really dark on the deck is a recycled 4x4 out of my kitchen.

Whoa, that must be some kitchen you have. Long, long term I would like to build a Guillemot expedition. One of the timber options would be to use recycled wood if I can find the right stuff. Thus it is re-assuring to hear that it can be done. Did you have any hassles with your recycled wood, like splitting because it was too dry ...??

Cheers Pete