Found a used canoe (MN lV) for what I consider to be a very fair price. It is a outfitter canoe that the seller states has a refinished bottom. The canoe is a 2012 model year. Over all, it looks the be in good condition and I imagine the cruise ships don't see as much use as the more normal sized canoes. My concern is that from what I have seen from outfitters is that the canoes generally sit outside during the season. Is UV damage a long term concern or will a few summers baking in the sun be enough? Secondly, what damage is done by UV exposure? Is it the kevlar itself or the finish? Does refinishing solve the issues from too much exposure?

The outfitters logo is faded into the canoe but I can't tell the outfitter from looking at it. Link to the sale add if it helps.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/d/minneapolis-wenonah-mn-4-canoe-23-4/7036462393.html

Inmyelement: " My concern is that from what I have seen from outfitters is that the canoes generally sit outside during the season. Is UV damage a long term concern or will a few summers baking in the sun be enough? Secondly, what damage is done by UV exposure? Is it the kevlar itself or the finish? Does refinishing solve the issues from too much exposure?

"

I'd be more concerned about the damage done by scraping rocks than UV to the Kevlar. The level of color change to brown will give some indication of how much UV exposure it has had, but keep in mind the type of resin or poly used to repair can also cause the brown color.What did the outfitter repair the canoe with? Likely poly, which provides UV protection but will have to be re-applied in a few years because it eventually breaks down from both sun and wear. If it is West207 that's a plus, although how you would know for sure I'm not sure. Poly will wear a lot faster/easier although I doubt they want you to scratch test it, lol

Does not look like too much UV damage from the photos. UV affects the strength of the kevlar fibers but more importantly disrupts the bond between kevlar and resin. Over time the appearance will be darker but in the end stages the hull will develop a dull whitish overlay and the hull will be brittle and easily punctured.

By appearance this boat looks solid and a fairly good deal. Test the flex of the hull a few inches below the gunwales (fewest layers of cloth)- it should flex easily and pop right back into position once pressure is released.

I am wondering about what the finish on the bottom is. They either used a coat of epoxy or a coat of varnish. Either of the two will hide most superficial scratches. So no real repair was made since it was mostly cosmetic.

The canoe looks sound from the pictures. And if it is, and you are OK with the wear that is visible then take the plunge. It is a pretty good price for a canoe that size.
Tom