I've got an older Wenonah royalex canoe with old, cracked/chipped/chunks missing skid plates. Should I remove them and put new plates on, or should I put new ones on over? If I should remove them, how?
There is also a large scrape in the front end where it was run into a rock . The damage goes through the layer of colour (green), through the next layer (vinyl I think), and into the third layer (the ABS?). A new skid plate will cover it, but is there anything I should do to the hull before adding the skid plate?
you should drill small hole at the end at each crack, but don't drill all the way in. Drill to the depth of the layer (ABS you mentioned). This stops the crack from spreading.
I would remove all the old skid plate possible. I chiseled mine off with a flexible puddy knife. Srape it, grind it, sand it, clean it - but be careful. Fill any dents or holes before applying new plates. I used a 2 part marine epoxy from Lowes. Any holes or dents could cause air pockets between the boat hull and the new skid plate which will crack under pressure - like hitting rocks- and leave you with a mess. I learned the hard way.
My skid plates are also cracked and 30 to 40% missing depending on the end. I've been paddling it for several years now waiting for most of what is left to wear off instead of spending the time and effort to chisel the remaining pieces off. It is holding up very well so I have not replaced them yet. Plus, the new skid plates will be heavier.
. The damage goes through the layer of colour (green), through the next layer (vinyl I think), and into the third layer (the ABS?). A new skid plate will cover it, but is there anything I should do to the hull before adding the skid plate?