i bought an old BB Aral from turner/cheri a few years ago, had the hull refurbished by osprey sea kayak, and took the deteriorating deck finish down to bare wood just now, about 10 hours' work. the company says they use Okoume plywood for their decks, but this species is very vulnerable to rot unless coated. having put in so much time, i might use a really high-quality marine spar varnish, if anyone has any suggestions. otherwise it's going to be helmsman spar varnish from the hardware store. i'd do two or three coats, probably. but i need this varnish to last. the plywood top layer is so thin now, it may be the last time i can ever refinish this deck. dennis? joy? sheldon? thanks... best, sandy