Mike;

I had a two-part epoxy automotive clear coat sprayed on my Night Heron and am really happy with the results. Here is a picture taken in the spay booth.

Some say it seems easier to scratch than varnish. I don't think so. It is not invulnerable by any means, but seems at least as scratch resistant as varnish. Smaller scratches can be fixed with wet sanding with 1000 - 2000 grit paper. And you can also "fill" larger scratches and gouges, folowed by scraping with a cabinet scraper, then wet sand, etc.

A note of caution: be sure to get a good layer on all edges, like around the edges of your hatch covers. The clear-coat is a UV protectant, but if not enough on these edges, UV will break down the underlying epoxy. I have this happening on one of my hatches.

Good Luck, and have fun.

Roger Turgeon
Orr's Island, ME