Managed to wet-sand yesterday morning (and concluded that none of my boat's many scuffs and scratches were serious enough to warrant an epoxy fix). And last night, I put a first coat of varnish on.
What an AMAZING difference! It looks new again.
So thanks to both the above posters for great advice. It's easy to find lots of info on initial construction and finishing a new boat, but I was unable to find any details about annual maintenance, minor repairs and the longevity of varnish.
And the tip about doing this early in the winter is a good one. I'm itching to get out on the water -- in my-now-spiffy-looking boat.
Grambo

: The same as when you built the boat. Use a coarser, dry, sandpaper to remove
: the loose old flaking stuff first. Do this by hand. Power sanding with
: coarse sandpaper will cut too fast. Anything from 120 to 200 grit should
: do to feather the edges of the old varnish. If it is sticking and not
: greatly discolored, you can go right over it. Two coats should do, but
: some people prefer to put on more, wet sanding lightly between coats.

: when stored in the sun all the time, you can expect a full year, and maybe
: two. There may be some varnishes that will even go three years, but expect
: to replace the varnish on alternate years, or sooner. If the wear is not
: too great, a light hand sanding and a single coat each year can probably
: work. do this at the end of each season and your varnish will have all
: winter to cure and harden, and your boat will be ready to go on the first
: day of spring paddling.

: Is this something wood kayak owners do every year? Thanks. I'm

: Fortunately it goes pretty fast, and as the varnish goes on and things shine
: up nice and pretty you get to feeling good about it.

: Buy a fresh can of varnish and don't stir or mix it for at least a day before
: using, so you don't have ir bubble trouble.

: Enjoy the weekend.

: PGJ