: . . .. Speaking of varnish.........

: I LOVE VARNISH..................AND I HATE VARNISH...........
: I love how it really pop's and brings out all the nice wood, but on
: the other hand, it will sure magnify your "OOPSIES"
: too.

That love/hate thing--I think you have been breathing too many fumes from the varnish. Step back. Get a fresh breath. take another step back.

Now look at your boat and all those defects will be much smaller. It is a matter of perspective. If you want people to think you have a perfect boat, just paddle faster so they can't get close enough to see the tiny flaws. :)

You'll be varnishing every year or two. Don't bother saving the old varnish for more than a few months. It will not last for the next time you do a complete varnish job. Buy a new can next time and you'll eliminate most of the 'second year' varnish problems.

PGJ