Do i need to do anything to the first coat of finish once it is dry before I apply a 2nd coat over top? not sure if I need to scuff to help adhesion?

No need to scuff as long as you apply the second coat within 48 hours. If you wait longer than 48 hours you should scuff with grey scotcbrite.

Regards
Dave

Fishing is Life the rest is just Details

Some give it as long a 72 hrs without scuffing being required, What I would do though after the 1st coat, is knock down any burrs with an exacto knife , making sure you get rid of the nub you cut off and not leave it on the threads to muck up the next coat. On the 1nd coat I try to stay just on the threads, then use a toothpick or the side of the spatula to coax the epoxy out onto the blank in the 2nd coat application process, sealing the threads from the weather, spilling it onto the blank twice, once each coat can lead to crooked lines and wider that needed spillages. Extra epoxy bulkage often occurs when two coats are applied under the guide foot /tunnel area.