Some finishes are used in combination with others, further confusing the issue. We recommend that you take a moment to discuss all the issues with us upon ordering. The Flagship varnish is more expensive than Helmsman but has six times the UV blocker. That makes Flagship an ideal coating over clear epoxy.
Varnish looks the best and is easier to keep clean.
Three gallons will do most driftboats, or two gallons over epoxy. Clear Marine Epoxy Epoxy as a wood finish is best used primarily on the plywood parts of the boat. Checking is hairline cracks running along the grain of the wood when the boat is left out in the weather on a daily basis. Epoxy has the ability to soak farther into the grain than any other finish and inhibit checking. Epoxy is also an exellent primer under paint.