Leaky Aluminum boat

[kpj5br]

I'm not sure if this is a "permanent" fix or not (I'm thinking not), but it will do for an interim solution.

Most of the home improvement stores sell a "Sportsman's" silicon sealant. I've used it, it's pretty remarkable.

I know Menard's has it. Just apply it on both ends of the rivet (internal and external) let it dry, and you are leak free. I don't know for sure how long it lasts, I think it would depend on what type jarring your hull gets (i.e. Mille Lacs with 35 mph winds cruising the boat over 25mph I'm sure will help bust it loose).

[Tofishem]

Liquid Steel works really well too!

Bruce

[Esoxmn]

You could tighten the rivets. I took a piece of scrap drilled a partaill hole to match rivets, or a little smaller. Have someone hold it on the bottom of the rivet and use another on the oposite end and hit it with a hammer.

------------------
Why did'nt Noah swat those two mosquitos?

Gary

[jhals68]

Hey all,
I need some advice on repairing a leaking aluminum boat. It's an old Starcraft that I suspect has leaky rivets. I tore the floor out last night and I am going to water test it tomorrow to see where it is leaking from. If it is indeed bad rivets, can a fairly handy person fix it themselves? If so what might be the best method. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks in advance

[fishermn]

I have had this same recurring problem with a smaller alumacraft. I would recommend tightening the rivets, then applying a small bead of the silicon to the outside edge where the two sheets of aluminun overlap. This has worked well for me.

[uffdapete]

If the boat doesn't have a floor another option I have used with relative ease and effectiveness is to cover the floor's interior with Herculiner or a similar quality and type product. It's actually a do-it-yourself truck bed liner but works well for boats too.

[RuKiddingMe]

Open you internet browser and do a search in google for some stuff called alumaloy, this stuff looks awesome and might be a great option for patching your hull.

RU

[EBass]

Kewl, I just found a small crack in my hull to. Luckly it's above the water line.

[Guest]

I'll second RU on the Alumiloy.

I saw that stuff on their infomercial the other night and was impressed. It wasnt like other infomercials, they actually took you step by step showing closeups of the stuff in action. I might give it a try.

[RuKiddingMe]

Like Tom said they have a HSOforum (Sorry RU, no unauthorized links even though I approve of the product...lol...I almost posted too but I have to follow the rules as well ) and I believe that is the only place you can buy it. They have some video to watch and some reading to do, pretty interesting.

RU

[This message has been edited by Tom Herman (edited 08-23-2004).]

[EBass]

Thanks Fellas!

[IaFisherman]

There is only one way to fix this problem "correctly" either re-buck the old rivets or drill out the old ones and replace with new. I don't think you will find a marina using JB Weld or the like to repair a leaky boat.
Just my 2cents

[EBass]

Where can one get it? Like Northren Tool or some metal shop?

[Guest]

They have a HSOforum and it is the same price as on TV, except you don't get the free 1/2 pound.

They also have welding sticks for steel and cast iron too.

The site also has quite a bit of info to read.

Good luck.

[Guest]

JB Weld is bad. It will come off as will any silicone. New rivets are good for what? maybe another 2 years or so?
He replaces lets say 10 rivets. It costs him over $100 to do so. Then next year 10 more start to leak and so on and so on.

Why not fix the problem permently by welding all seams and all rivets with something you can do on your own and for less than half the cost of a temporary fix?

[jhals68]

Thanks for the input.
I found the leak to be a couple of hairline cracks in the hull. The Alumaloy is on it's way, I will post how effective it is. I looked on their site, and if works like they say, I think it will work for my repair.

[RuKiddingMe]

Cool jhals68 I look forward to hearing what you think about Alumaloy, and seeing the pics of the finished job.

RU

[Guest]

Most leaks are from a poor trailer!!
So if you fix the boat. Fix the trailer too. Or just get a new one.

[jhals68]

The Alumaloy is a joke. I couldn't get it anywhere near hot enough with propane or Map gas. I don't advise spending your money on it. I bought a new boat instead!