Re: Bluefin Superhawk
No Thompson's on the deck either, it isn't a good alternative anywhere on a boat. It's essentially wax dissolved in a solvent.
Porch paint or any oil enamel can be used, but the earlier Spar recommendation stands for a deck w/ carpet, Nautolex or Hydro-turf. Epoxy is an even better choice, IMHO, for the deck (transom too) no matter which finish surface you choose.
Give
Nautolex some thought....
Many have used it & love it. It's available by the running yard in 72" wide rolls, @$19/yd. If your deck is narrow enough, 54" wide rolls are @$17/yd. You can apply it to the decking out of the boat & then use face mounted rivets or screws. Since it's palletized, you could pull 1 section of deck if needed for any reason..... Or install the deck 1st, fill the screw/rivet holes & use 1 seamless roll of nautolex.
Boiled linseed oil, polyurethane (or varnish) & mineral spirits in equal parts (1 quart of each) mixed in an empty paint can can also be a great inexpensive choice, when done properly:
An oldtimey wood sealer formula is... 33/33/33 Mineral Spirits, Boiled Linseed Oil, and Varnish (or Polyurethane) Use a quart of each and put in a gallon container and mix well. Paint your wood with it and really saturate the wood till it pools up. Let sit for at least and hour then wipe off anything that has not been absorbed. Let dry 48 hrs. If you then applied 3-4 coats of Spar Varnish your transom would last a decade with proper maintenance and if you put a couple of coats of Rustoleum Oil Base Paint on it who know's how long it would last.
You wouldn't need as many coats of spar after & no paint if you're using a vinyl over the deck.
Since you've taken the deck out, even if the transom seems solid, you might consider replacing it too. It won't ever be easier then while you've got the deck out. Then it'll all be ready to serve you well for a very long time, just like your new deck.
What's the current flotation foam plan?
