Exterior wood: Urethane vs. Varnish

[Dcneuro]

Has anyone tried using Rustoleum's spar urethane product, (Varathane), on exterior wood? It is a water based urethane. Personally, I have had better results with urethane than with varnish. My toe rails seem to last about half a season even with several build coats with Epifanes varnish. I have used Minwax spar polyurethane on coaming boards and other places, it seems to do pretty well. I have a spot on my toe rails that water seems to be in almost constant contact with, and it always peels away by spring. I had wondered if a water based product would do better here, or am I just going to have to bight the bullet and switch to a sealer like sikkens?

Thanks,

Dr. S.

[slocum2]

I am a big fan of Cetol. If the surface is prepped right the first time its so much easier going forward and looks good. Chasing varnish takes time away from using the boat.