: Buff it with what? I assume you mean polish and then don't wax.
: I thought i read varnish develops a thin protective surface layer as it dries
: and if you polish that off it will degrade faster.

: I really just want to keep that clean shiny look longer on the sides and
: deck.

Hi Patrick,
I've used rotary buffing pads on a small variable speed "grinder" thingie to get a mirror like finish on varnished table tops. You have to wait for the varnish to cure completely to get the best effect.
I know the tables have been used well and the finish is still easy to keep. Not quite the mirror finsih they started with, but still reflective.
The smoother you can get varnish, the harder it is to scratch damage. Unfortunately, a bad deep scratch will stand out like a sore thumb.

As it's a "heavy use boat" that has to impress, I'd buff it well for the first showing, then let the scars build up over time. The more scars, the more time fishing, the signs of a serious fishing man.

Mike Savage
South West Cork