We definitely appreciate the feedback, but please understand what you see at your store alone does not represent the wider market. We see sales numbers for the entire world, and we sell far more UMX and sub $300 models than all of the larger and more expensive models combined (especially in the US)!...

I wouldn't apply MinWax on top of the colors. I use MinWax to seal the foam then add the color(s) on top. I'd use a primer since you're applying both light and dark colors. I don't think I'd put a clear coat of Enamel on top of Latex - never tried that. I use satin colors which don't require a c...

The blue & white one on takeoff is from Lake Country Air in Duluth, MN. There are two more on floats on Lake of the Woods near my hometown on the MN/Canadian border - at Nestor Falls, Ontario.