I have used Helmsman but consider it far inferior to Epifanes. I used Helmsman on a plywood seat in my gheenoe this year and already it is delaminating and turning color. I think it should be thinned well and used as sealer first. then as topcoat. It works, but not nearly as well. I also think it tends to peal and degrade all through its depth whereas epifanes wears off from the top down. Now, that's just my experience, your mileage may vary.