On non-flat surfaces I've had success using a wiping varnish.  Just dilute the varnish with one part mineral spirits/paint thinner to one part varnish.  Wipe on with a rag.  It goes on thin so you'll need more coats than with a brush, but it's worked for me.

Some smaller, artist-type brushes may help, too.  You can only do so much with a foam brush on smaller areas.

.....Michael

   I've mostly given up on the foam brushes and use decent bristle brushes (not fancy, but natural bristle).  The bristle brushes also go around and into corners better than foam, I think.  So you can get around the base but not overload the varnish film.  Yeah, you have to clean them, but that's another use for yogurt cups.  Good for the little brushes and saves cleaner compared to a bigger bucket.

   Thanks for the suggestions.  I tried getting as close to the padeyes as I dared, and then I coated them with a small bristle brush allowing the varnish flow into that laid down with the foam brush.  It worked better than using only the foam brush, but I have a good bit more trial and error work  ahead of me before I get the technique down.

Unfortunately vacation is rapidly approaching, so I need to move on.  Its probably only something l'll see anyway, but it will still bug me.  My plan is to tackle it again at the end of this season after the varnish has had a good while to harden.  My plan is to try fixing the issue with fine wet  paper and then finish off with polishing papers.

The boat is looking absolutely amazing, and I can't wait to see my wife paddle her away from shore for the first time.  We are both preparing to be frequently stopped and asked questions as we paddle about in the Clayton, NY region of the St. Lawrence River in a couple of weeks.

Dave

 

   I have had some luck wiping with a grey Scotchbrite.

   You will see the drips better than anybody else. Most people look form "ten feet".  Rigging in place the attention is taken away from light imperfections.

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Drips, and runs are caused by too much fluid. Don't get to carried away with the varnish.

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Remember too you'll be doing this again in a few weeks if the boat is really used much.  Abraisions, sun light, dropped things will happen. We with the boat have fun. It doesn't have to be a museum piece.

   Broken down basics, runs occur for one reason, gravity takes its toll before the varnish cures, that simple.

So, less varnish, think thinner coats. Means less mass for the force of gravity to act upon.  Do whatever you have to do, to get less varnish on at one time.  Bristles instead of foam, rag and wipe on, thinner product, what ever works for you, experiment.

Or, orient the surface in question so that gravity doesn't cause a run, think flat.  Seriously, I've varnished or painted ALL SORTS of things one surface at a time so I could go heavier and fewer coats without runs.

Last, get the varnish to cure before gravity wins.  This usually means warmer.

Mike