Key West 2008 - Saturday June 21st Swim

Hi All - Swimming Key for the first time this year and have a few questions. 1) Sun block - have heard all types of combinations, options - can anyone who swam this in past tell me what they used? 2) Boat vs Kayak - A family member has a small flats boat (great for shallow) water and I'm thinking of having my support team ride on this. Any reason I should consider a kayak instead? 3) Any advice for folks who want to see parts of the swim, but won't be a boat? Is their best bet just to play at the beach and then watch the finish? 4) Does anyone know how many swimmers competed last year (2007)? Any other advice for a newbie would be much appreciated!