: I do this, start thinking about what it's gonna look like...got to
: stop, stay in the here and now. Whatever I end up doing will be
: simple.

I came across this page (Dan Caouette's)
http://clearstreamwood.com/WordPress/news/update-canoe-and-kayak-abrasion-test
when I was looking for paint ideas.
Interlux VC Performance Epoxy
A bit pricey.
It was pretty easy to use. (I sprayed it-not very well- and would probably have gotten better results by rolling and tipping with a brush.)
The paint is white; I used SystemThree epoxy colorant (black) to get a light grey color.

I haven't used the boat enough to draw conclusions about its durability, but it is definitely tougher than 'regular' marine paint.
The VC epoxy is also a bit thicker (and less glossy) than the 2-part urethanes, so flaws in my prep work weren't extremely visible.