Steve,
Thanks for your link. This is perfectly clear and will work ideally for me. I looked at your web site and noticed a) that you used Minwax urethane spar varnish. Were you happy with it. Sounds like application was pretty easy. Also, b) that you're in the adirondacks. That's actually where we're headed in a week with our boats, and this Night Heron (hopefully) if it is done. We'll be in the area of North River (a few miles west of North Creek). Beautiful paddling in your neck of the woods.
Lou