Aside from Will's good advice, you can also fill in some thickened epoxy and try to sand the nubs of kevlar, if any protrude. If everything is back in the gouge, then don't even try to sand the kevlar. If the kevlar is surrounded by the epoxy matrix, it is somewhat sandable. You can also try to use an X-acto knife or razor blade to shave off any protruding kevlar.

I patched a kevlar canoe one time. The gelcoat was worn completely through at the ribs. I filled the kevlar with new gelcoat and lightly sanded the protruding Kevlar until it fuzzed. Then, I reapplied gelcoat and resanded. The third filling of gelcoat made everything smooth. I then prep-sanded it for a sprayed application of gelcoat. If the body shop had had the right color of gelcoat, you would never have known that the canoe had been patched.

Kevlar is hydrophilic--it attracts water--make sure it is reaallly dry before patching.

Shawn

: Can I dry it out, sand and taper the edges, fill in with thickened epoxy, and
: lay fiberglass patching right over it?

: Do I need to do anythig special to the Kevlar to insure a good bond?

: Thanks, Randy