My .02, As I'm a guy that puts varnish on those boats, I would have to ask what type of maintenance regimen you want to do? The simplest method would be the deck stain, or black paint. Easy to touch/freshen up. For Spar varnish, I would recommend "Epifanes", six coats minimum to start(both sides, and all four edges). The problem with varnish, paint, or any hard, glossy coating, is when you torque down the bed strips, you will invariably break that coating open, exposing the wood to moisture, and the deterioration begins immediatly. I'll be using the deck sealer method on mine, just much easier to maintain. If you are really bent on a clear, glossy look, "West System" produces an epoxy with UV inhibitors, and is extremly durable, and buffable, so you can fix it, if you scratch it. Kinda pricey however.
