spar paint

[De_sv_Taz]

I will soon face a mast painting problem -- birdsmouth construction wooden mast -- and would like to find some intelligent discussion of paint options for long-term exterior use. I've heard some rumbles lately in the boating world about using floor paint (water based
acrylic I think) for masts and wooden upperworks, as it is very tough and long lasting and costs far less than special boat paints sold under "marine" labels. polyurethane porch paint/coating has also been mentioned.

has anyone had good results using paints for floors, porches, or industrial surfaces as exterior paint for wooden boats? anyone have a URL to a good discussion I can go and read somewhere? my boat has a workboat finish and I am not interested in fancy brightwork, just in a really durable UV resistant paint that will look tidy and stand up to a few years of hard use.