Full disclosure: I have never built a boat. My kayaking experience is limited to occasional outings on Hobie open cockpit boats with my wife and our two dogs. A new phase of kayaking may have entered my life with a discovery last summer when walking my dog. A neighbor was being relocated to senior housing and his family was cleaning out his house. To the curb they brought an old stitch and glue kayak he must have built many years ago. It was obviously stored outside. I paddled it once last season and I liked the ride so I stored it on my porch all winter.

A couple of days ago I finally got around to sanding off the green paint which finally brings me around to my question. There are several, small areas where the wood is exposed as the epoxy has worn or weathered off the wood. The only glass I see is at the wood seams. I am wondering if there is a way to repair it. An acquaintance suggested I sand as much as possible and glass the entire hull. This would seem like a reasonable suggestion to a novice like me.

Also, the topside has no paint, but appears to have several layers of epoxy. The top layer is peeling, but I do not see any place where the wood is exposed.

Can someone suggest a solution to either problem? Also, given my lack of wooden boat experience, can someone suggest where I can get some instruction in the appropriate techniques in the form of videos, books, etc. It would be a shame to toss this boat in a land fill. Please help me decide if the rescue effort is worthy.