If you're eyeing a fiberglass canoe, you should know it has its downsides. First off, they can crack pretty easily, especially after a rough bump. Over time, stress, impact, UV exposure, and water damage can cause fiberglass to weaken, crack, or deteriorate. When this happens, the float loses its ability to hold air or foam, causing it to lose buoyancy. Leaks can occur from physical damage, wear and tear, or marine life chewing on the float's surface. If you don't see damaged glass you can stop there & possibly do the repair yourself with a gel coat repair kit.