I am getting dangerously close to finishing my canoe build of a 15' Prospector Ranger (started in 2017, so it's about time). My wife and I are expecting our first kid in January, so it's time to up the tempo and get this thing done.
I was wondering if I could get your guys' thoughts on whether or not I should seal my trim with epoxy prior to applying varnish? Or seal it with some kind of wood sealer and then varnish? Or just go straight to varnish?
My gunwales are ash and my decks are cherry.
Personally, I like the idea of everything getting epoxied in order to ensure waterproofness. But I am hesitant to apply the epoxy because it seems tricky to do now that all of the trim is installed. I don't want to cause myself extra work if some of it runs down the hull, etc. If I skip applying epoxy, am I risking future wood rot / headaches down the road?
I would appreciate any feedback and opinions that you guys may have!
Thanks,
~ Jake