On my Arts & Crafts furniture, the stain is dull at first.  It's not until I add a layer of amber shellac that the grain pops.  While you probably don't want to use shellac on a boat, a clear top coat may do the trick.  I'd do a test on some scrap before doing anything on the boat. 

I've heard of people using yellow TransTint aniline dye to make grain pop on their furniture.  I mix mine with isopropyl, which raises the grain less.  I did run into some trouble with applying alcohol based shellac on top of alcohol based stain though.

Hey Ty,
I’d suggest a light to very light sanding with 220-300 grit. If you control your pressure well enough you’ll be able to leave a little stain in the more porous areas. Should emphasize the grain. I’ll be hard to get a uniform tone, you may have to sand it off and start over. Shouldn’t be a problem, you’ll loose very little wood fiber if you take care.
In case it wasn't clear, whatever you do don’t apply epoxy over shellac. or any other finish. You won’t get a good bond.    

Cheers,

e

   I used water base stain , two different colors on my ch17. The grain will come out fine if you sand lighty with 220. Do follow the grain or you will see the sanding marks latter.