[Paddlewise] Practical paint selections

Okay, thanks for the valuable support on electric pumps.  Another question.

I'm finishing off a Chesapeake Light Craft "North Bay" stitch'n'glue boat, and
will have to make some decisions on painting.  The hull is pretty nearly
faired out and getting better, but I'm sure there will be sags somewhere in
the epoxy that I'm going to miss. I really want this to be a <kayak>, not a
living room coffee table; I want to be able to paddle it without worrying
about dinging its pristine finish.  However, I've got a lot of sweat equity in
this beauty, so making it look good is still an objective.

Seems to me that a black or very dark blue glossy hull would look great on the
North Bay, but I'm concerned that a very dark hull would show the sags and
blemishes that I'm sure will be in there.  I'm guessing that the same's true
for a very bright white hull.  Concurrence on this?  Experience to the
contrary?

As to quality of paint, any theories out there on whether it's worth the time
and the money to use any of the two- and three-part polyurethanes, or is a one
part polyurethane adequate?  And how 'bout experience with any of the hi-build
primers out there?  Interlux has some nice off-whites in both single and
multi-part paints --- including a nice looking, creamy "Hatteras Off-White"
color that looks like it might optimize the durability and hiding power I
assume I'll need --- any thoughts on that kind of choice from a practical and
not a cosmetic viewpoint?

Not really looking for art critics --- everybody knows what they like.  Am
really looking for first hand experience with the practical aspects of paint
choices from the standpoint of durability, hiding capability and --- what the
heck, sure --- <looks>!

Thanks for any and all advice.

Jack Martin
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