Qwicksticks:

I've always bought the stuff by the quart for $18-19 so if your paying $30-40 you must be buying by the gallon??? I'll assume you are.

Like you, I got a very thin coat on the bottom of my boat (a 98 willies) and it was immediately apparent that I would need more coats for effective protection. If you will run rivers where banging rocks is unavoidable put at least 2-3(quarts) coats on. I currently have 3(quarts) coats on the bottom of my boat and I find that sufficient. If I center-punch a rock (ouch!) and some coat-it gets removed, it is a simple affair to slap some more on as a patch.

Before putting on the new stuff though, it is VITAL that you sand the old stuff with 50-60 grit sandpaper roughing up the old and sanding away any flaking material. I use an orbital sander and it is worth the effort.

I don't know that you would need the entire gallon if that's what you have.....that's why I buy by the quart so I don't end up with excess. If your paying $30-40 for a quart you need to find a new store! Hope this helps.

Good fishing.