I figured I'd pop back in and post an update.
We started the varnishing process on one of the kayaks (we really move slow, by the way). Started with my wife's hull, and laid down one coat. Waited about 12 hours, and she put down a second coat, and was well into the process when she realized that the first coat was still a little tacky. So she finished it out, but then we had to wait about 3 days for everything to cure. But cure it did. Then wet scotch-brite before application of the third coat, and the hull looks magnificent, if I may say so myself. Definitely the way to go.
Right now, trying to get time to do the deck. Hopefully this week. Then it will be on to sanding my boat to get it varnished.

I hate to say this, but the varnishing process is almost the best part so far. Maybe it is just because we're so close to actually being FINISHED ... for at least a few years.....