To start, I've done lots of reading on the subject so have a good grasp on what needs to be done. But...I still have questions.

1. SR website says use an oil-based polyurethane. Lots of other posts said they used spar varnish. They are not the same. Is one better than the other? i think it's just people misusing terminology.

2. Do they all contain UV inhibitors? Do I need to even worry about that if it's stored indoors? As far as on the water, it averages about 15 days per year. I was just planning to use Varathane Clear Gloss polyurethane.

3. I don't intend on adding a coat of epoxy, as I don't have a lot of deep gouges. Really just scratches and some pretty big patches of chalking. It's always stored indoors.

4. i have front and back ski plates installed. One of them has a chunk missing that I'd like to "fill" or repair. How would I do that? I saw a post where people were using truck bed liner (as opposed to an actual ski plate), but that stuff is expensive. What about wood filler? I have some 2-part stuff I use that basically turns as hard as a rock. The repair is about the size of a pinkie finger fingernail. It's not a hole, but fairly deep. Maybe thru the skid plate and down to the actual canoe layup.

5. I have a palm sander, but not an orbital sander. So I plan to sand by hand. I'm assuming I sand in the direction of the canoe (so front to back strokes)? Having done a lot of woodworking you always go with the grain. Not sure if there's a grain on the fiberglass coating.

A 1/4 sheet palm sander is way better than a random orbital sander for refinishing. I wouldn’t use the ROS unless you coated with epoxy first. I’ve refinished numerous boats, and have always used Spar Varnish. Make sure whatever you use has a uv inhibitor. For filling holes, I use 2 part epoxy mixed with milled fiberglass (and sawdust for wood boats). The milled glass may be unnecessary for small patches.

I did mine with varnish and it turned out great. If possible sand it outside and maybe set up a fan to blow the dust away. Probably want to wear long sleeves and a mask too.
~JOE~

I use Epiphanes Spar Varnish and can't imagine better. Palm sander is my choice. Two coats. Sand between coats. I wipe down with denatured alcohol before coating. Could be mineral spirits is better. Both my SRs are skin BTW.

Thanks much.