I got a new to me kevlar canoe that needs work.

1. Should I replace gunwales, thwarts, and struts before patching holes? I assume yes but figure I’ll borrow community experience =)
2. this boat will live outside(and did bfore I grabbed it) so I’m assuming it’s better to replace the gunwales with aluminum ones. Any reason not to ( not worried about aesthetics)?
3. the center (and only) thwart has a vertical strut in the middle that attaches to an interior keel (assuming foam). Can these elements be replaced with aluminum or is the wood providing a springiness that protects the boats structure in waves? Like question 2, I’d like to replace these with aluminum if there’s no reason not to.
4. Fiberglass patch advice. For holes/scratches going all the way through and scratches that show a white line on the interior, how many layers of cloth should I use? I assume I should use s cloth. Should I apply one layer on the exterior and n on the interior or should they all go on the exterior/interior? I’ve never done this repair before so my other question is confirming I sand down where ever I’m applying until I see bare fiber, right?

The hull was solid at pickup but the gunwales disintegrated loading it into the car and center thwart fell out one side and off the vertical center strut on the drive (stayed in the canoe due to other side). As a result, I need to replace the gunwales, maybe the thwart, and repatch some patches that came loose due to the hull flexing on the drive with no side to side support(I learned to always bring lumber and wood screws when graving a used canoe). All of this background info for the questions above.

Thanks much in advance.