Polyurethane or varnish

[minaret]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

Polyurethane or varnish? ...no way! I quit that choice many years ago. I'm strictly stainless steel, polycarbonate and Starboard plastic over fiberglass. I can't justify a surface that requires repeated maintenance. All my pretty wood is below!

I'm with you! Doing this for a living has taught me that varnish is for dock queens. If you are the commodore of your local yacht club, varnish away! If you are actually taking your boat somewhere, get rid of that stuff, unless (like me) you are a glutton for punishment.



Best varnish secret I can relate is- if you're gonna spend the bucks to do it right, save yourself some heartache and spend even more for good quality canvas covers for your brightwork. Your maintenance will be reduced ten fold. But no one will see all that beautiful brightwork much of the time! I have canvas for every rail and hatch on the boat. If you drop 20 G's on a varnish job, you might as well spend 10 more to ensure it lasts. Brightwork is a rich mans game, unless you do it all yourself....

[Hudson Force]

When cruising about I see much more beautiful varnish in those higher latitudes where boats are in the water for a "season" and the angle of incidence of the sun is low!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by minaret

12!? Try 16 minimum for teak....

I'll see your 16 and raise you four... how about 20? ahhaha

"Polyurethane or varnish? ...no way! I quit that choice many years ago. I'm strictly stainless steel, polycarbonate and Starboard plastic over fiberglass. I can't justify a surface that requires repeated maintenance. All my pretty wood is below! "

Now you're talking!

[mgamike]

Thanks to everyone for the benefit of all your experiences. It looks like varnish is the clear (no pun intended) winner. Now I just need to decide on the brand.