Hi.

A few questions.

I'd like to know if you sheath the hull of herons.

If not, what's the best varnish for the bottom of the hull. If painting the hull, what's the best technique - a primer over the epoxy and then a polyurethane or an enamel?

Any suggestions as to the best paint and varnish brands for the hull?

Derek Dodd has been an advocate of 2 part paints for a while. Think he painted his boat 10 years ago with it and only now is even considering a repaint.

I decided to copy him and have 2 part painted my hull (not fit for varnish! Interior has been varnished. The hull was painted with epoxy primer and then 2 part PU top coat. The varnish was a 2 part PU - first coat diluted with thinner... You need a lot of coats for a good finish (but I've stopped coating to get some sailing done.)

I'm too new in the game of 2 part paints to promise if it works - although a collision at the heron open at huddersfield only resulted in a scuff on the paintwork.. No matter what 2 part paints need bare wood or epoxy - not old primer/undercoats etc...

Not sure on the sheathing - if its class legal (check with Jon Hunt) or if its worth it. Probably adds a bit of weight. Taping edges is legal and probably adds less weight but covers the highest risk areas...