Refinishing marine ply.

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Yeah, I know, it's another timber question. I haven't crossed to the dark side, honest, but some of my little projects around the house are timber.So, I went looking on Ebay for a canoe for my kids and ended up buying one for myself.It's a wooden kayak built in the 70s by a bloke who is now too old to paddle it. I'm not sure if the pic link will work or not.I saw this canoe and wanted to save it.Now I have to refinish it. I'm going to use it, so I need a finish that isn't just cosmetic.It's in good condition, but I suspect has the original finish. It has worn away where the nails are and there is a small circle of bare ply around each nail head. There are a few other places where the finish is very thin.It has fibreglass tape on the joins.I'm assuming the whole thing would have been finished with resin.So, what would you do?Sand it obviously - random orbital and then hand sand with the grain?Fill any holes with resin?Coat the whole thing with multiple coats of marine varnish?Scott Attached Filescanoe pics 2.doc (85.5 KB, 35 views)
Reply:I have no clue, but perhaps someone else does! http://www.wooden-canoes.com/City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:You will really need to get your hands on a book on wood kayak/canoe construction such as one by Nick Schade or the Chesapeake Light Craft Co. Before refinishing, all old finish (laquer/varnish, etc.) needs to be removed, bare wood spots need treatment with epoxy resin (such as in the West Systems stuff) and then refinish with suitable marine grade finish with UV inhibitors. Find a club or group where your kids can get instruction on technique/safety before allowing them out on the water. I've pm'd you with my address should you need further assistance.MM180Smith O/AMaxstar150STH