I am thinking the way around this is a long handle, chisel edged brush, with a width of about 1/4 inch.

Carefully dry brush the objects. This means rapid whisking of the part with a nearly dry load of color. If using Humbrol or Vallejo, washes of heavily thinned paint can be equally effective. Do not lay on thick, unthinned coats of paint. Use several coats. I would follow a full-strength base coat of the objects with a few slightly lighter coats (mix a bit of neutral, pale gray, not white, with the base color). Don't use an air brush. It will lay down too much paint, and you won't be able to get around all the stuff that might be in the way. The brush gives you the best ability to maneuver around printed details, like the restraining straps around boats.