Thanks Rehd and Dave,
I wasn't going to worry about the hull, and for the deck I guess I just wanted it perfect so I could take pictures and show a few people before dinging it up....just so I could talk about how 'nice it used to look'. Overall, guess I don't care and can live with imperfections. Since I've only half the season left and plan to store in a garage, would 4 coats of varnish be plenty?
Thanks,
james

: James: I have to concur with Rehd, right after you get the
: "PERFECT" finish, You will be too worried to enjoy it. I too had
: a drip and sag or two on the deck around the deck fittings. But after 5
: months of building, it was time to paddle. And the bottom? Forget about
: it. After 7-8 trips, you'll forget how nice the bottom looked before she
: was christened. And I'm not even landing on rocky beaches!!!

: Even the deck has a few battle scars from paddle dings, webbing marks and the
: like. My 2 cents worth says to get out and paddle, then next spring do a
: light sandout, revarnish with a quick coat or two, and paddle on. If you
: are constantly worried about every little ding (like I was - but not now),
: you'll never be able to enjoy the surroundings.

: Permission To Paddle

: DAVE