Long story short, the ubiquitous oil-based Rustoleum 'Stops Rust' alkyd enamel is no longer available as a tint base, much to my chagrin as my 'boat paint pallet' is based on their Gardinia and Emerald, formerly available in this product line at around 20$/quart. Rustoleum support was sorry to disappoint me with this news and offered a water-based door and trim as an option for replacement. I did not mention this was for a boat, their boat paints comes in limited colors and cost more and are not as readily available locally.
I am wrestling with having to spend more just to get the same type and colors from other vendors, don't have firsthand knowledge of ease of use or durability of any other 'boat' paints, so I am looking for suggestions from this illustrious group. I saw the review on Practical Sailor and understand that the polyurethanes are considered more durable than alkyds. I am hoping I can achieve a decent finish on the boat without spending more on paint than I did on top shelf marine ply...but maybe my view is way off on this.
Helmsman spar urethane as varnish is still available but I have heard there are better things out there (so in this case, urethane is not better ?!?) I try to limit brightwork but there are occasions where I want to see and feel the woodwork, like galley cabinets and the floorboards of the new dinghy, that needs painting as well.
Thanks for you thoughts!