: Now you varnish. Use a marine spar varnish with UV protection.

Most people seem to agree Z-Spar Captains varnish is the best. I have used others with success too. As JJ mentioned, the main thing is to look for a marine spar varnish. That has the UV protection.

: If anyone has a great way to do the deck and hull at once please let me know,
: because I want to go paddling NOW.

Some people have been hanging the boat by the hatch openings. I've never tried that, but it seems like it would work.

It is an open issue whether to use a good quality brush or a disposable foam brush. The main issues for me are technique, thinning and environment. Technique should be smooth and quick, brushing in one direction and resisting every temptation to go back over previously covered areas. You always try to keep a wet edge. Others have good methods too. Check Nick's book or the FAQ below, for example. Standard varnish from the can should be thinned a bit with mineral spirits (10% is usually recommended). That helps the varnish self level before drying. As for environment, cooler moderate temps and dry conditions help significantly. Don't varnish in a 90* garage or when it's rainy.

A good FAQ is at : http://www.greenval.com/FAQvarnishing.html

I don't follow that to the letter, but it has some good tips.

Others here have used a wipe on method with varnish and blue shop towels. Supposedly the results are good, but I could never get it to work. Check the archives for those discussions.

Don't sweat it too much. No one will notice a brush mark here or there.