Picked up a used Spirit II from an outfitter last weekend. It was in much better shape in person, than the photos showed. Most scratches are cosmetic, but there are two that are ~ 2 inches long (and very, very narrow) and down to the Kevlar cloth.

I was thinking I should fill them, but with what? I don't really want to by a quart of epoxy and harder, as it might go bad by the time I would need to refinish the entire bottom years and years down the road.

Thanks for any advice!

Driftless: "Picked up a used Spirit II from an outfitter last weekend. It was in much better shape in person, than the photos showed. Most scratches are cosmetic, but there are two that are ~ 2 inches long (and very, very narrow) and down to the Kevlar cloth.

I was thinking I should fill them, but with what? I don't really want to by a quart of epoxy and harder, as it might go bad by the time I would need to refinish the entire bottom years and years down the road.

Thanks for any advice! "

Go to the hardware store and buy 5 minute epoxy. It has a high shear strength, and its shore hardness is lower than laminating epoxy.

Will have no issues filling the gap and will bond much better than laminating epoxy as well.

Tape off the area and then use a bondo squeegee to flatten it out while its uncurled. Should minimize sanding if any at all.

You could also pick up a West fiberglass boat repair kit which comes with single use packets of 105/205 resin & hardener. Properly stored, epoxy doesn't really go bad, and these are in packets like ketchup and mayo.

You can also use a piece of saran wrap or other plastic (baggie, etc) to tape and stretch over the repair to aid in smoothing the epoxy.

The 105/205 should cure to a tack within a few hours and you could apply an additional coat then if more filling is needed.

This?

I found it listed for less but shiping might be extra. $15.

Actually, I was referring to this but your suggestion is probably better for this particular situation, containing two rounds of resin & hardener.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. If I used the saran wrap, will it take longer to dry? It won't bind/stick the saran wrap to the canoe? Or do I take it off when the epoxy is still wet?

The epoxy will cure perfectly fine under the saran wrap and you should leave it on until it's hard. Use scotch or masking tape to secure and stretch it. Be careful not to stretch too hard or it'll deform. You just want to make it taut and smooth out any wrinkles. Good luck!

I've used JB Weld for small punctures and deep scratches. The patches have lasted for years.