At the fall gathering I mentioned some gel coat repair videos available on you tube. Lots out there but canoe specific for brand nova craft they offer colour match GEL-COAT, plus a repair instructions kit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQOA4ILZ9Cw&t=8s. Gel-coat when it starts to flake off should have localized patch kits used. Once the Gel-coat colour match is mixed with BONDO brand MEKP hardener following their instructions it can be applied. Surface prep is key. Using a box cutter blade to flick lose the damaged gelcoat away. Some gelcoat canoes experience stress cracks mainly at bow and stern. I avoid repairing those and trust in a good top coat gelcoat sealer. Avoid cutting the aramid fibres or other fibre type. Sand with 500 grit periphery of gel coat edge, clean with IPA. Mask region with painters tape. Squeegee using bondo rubber tool (CTC acquired) then layer wax paper over the GEL-COAT as it must cure in absence of air. Work out bubbles, re-tape edge and let cure for a period defined by manufacturer. Remove wax paper slowly then wet sand as per Nova Craft instructions followed by wax and buff. If you want to avoid the mess try local repair shops like (ottawa Valley canoe and Kayak) near Arnprior does wonderful repairs on all models and materials. I am sure your canoe manufacturer can also repair gel-coat.