Fear not, Nat. I was in Hamilton this weekend dropping the big bucks for paint: a gallon of Aqua guard. Best bottom paint I've used to date.

On the shelves I see you guys still carry a hardware brand or two of varnish. I think I saw McCloskey's interspersed in the much more costly marine brands. I've used all the expensive brands and I believe there might be an advantage to the added marine cost, especially if you don't need much(typical glass boat with brightwork). But I buy 3 or 4 quarts a season with all the wood I need to cover(spars take a qt alone). And I end up losing quite a bit in open cans, buckets.

What I've been using for years is 'Last and Last' gloss from my local(walking distance) building supply. While it may lack some of the UV inhibiters(I don't know that for a fact- just surmising), it's second to none for application and fast build.

I love the new layout at Hamilton with the cordage ends at the door. I need some rigging and will measure. On a side note, I think I see less or a change in marine electronics in that aisle? Is it that less pieces are doing more tasks?

The people that work at the Rockland store are the nicest to deal with. Plus they seem not to leave - speaks well for the business.