Ha ha, great replies, and they're especially appreciated right now since I am in the process of refinishing portions of my Outer Island, and all of my Merlin canoe, in preparation for an extended road trip starting early next week. The bottom of the OI looks like .... but a complete refinishing will have to wait 'til late winter/early spring when I use it least (sea kayaks in summer and canoes in winter for me).

Some people around here paint their hulls for easier maintenance, but beats me how they're able to cover the wood with paint. I keep wanting to do it, for the same reason, but just can't. I end up refinishing and repairing the three homemade boats I use most often at least three times a year (I paddle daily).

A year or two ago I put a graphite/epoxy bottom on one of my first boats, a plywood S&G, ostensibly for fishing rocky Texas Hill Country rivers. It never really happened because I prefer the Merlin, but the little experience I gained tells me it really doesn't buy you much, am sure paint would be the better route.

Below: throw down picture of Merlin for heck of it. Every thread needs pictures.