To paint, or not to paint, that is etc

[ian60]

I'm sure it's been asked many times before but if you are rescuing an old clinker boat (N12) and under the horrible conglomerations of paint you find generally good condition ply is it preferable to varnish so that the grain and colour of the timber can be seen (along with all the patching etc.) or is it better to paint?

I know that the varnish will also make it easier to spot any future problems developing but the paint option will cover a number of little discolorations and my poor woodworking skills...

Just a word of warning - if I go down the paint route my current preference is for Orange gloss - sorry!

[JimC]

The only person who can decide is you. In general I think more latitude seems to be allowed for old varnished boats to be stained and discoloured than new ones.

[Rupert]

Battle scars are all part of a boat's history!

[Michael4]

I would try and keep the boat varnished if I could. As Rupert says, duelling scars are part of its history and however mottled it may look it will still be a proud and tidy craft!