How do I fix leaky rivets?

[hondavxr]

I have a 87 16 ft Starcraft alumin. and it has been good over the years, but recently I has notice that there water in the bilge area. I have located some of the rivets that are leaking and I know there is probably more. What is the best way to fix the rivets? A guy at the marine shop told me to just use this marine goop that looked like JB weld on the rivets. Thanks for the replies

[Steve Bakken]

Having fixed a hundred boats with "marine goop" on their rivets, I can tell you that it works great if you don't mind re-applying it every year. The rivets can be re-set and this will give you a permanent fix. You need to have acess to both sides of the rivet in order to do this. Then they need to have a dead weight held against the backside while the front side is struck with a hammer. This will re spread the rivet and tighten it back into the hole.

[Slyster]

I use Marine Silicon caulk (any hardware store).. and it lasts for more than a year.. perhaps 3 or 4. Great stuff.

[musky hunter]

Two fixes. If you can see the rivets, rebuck them. If it's only a few, you can get aluminum closed end pop rivets. Pop rivets are not as strong as regular rivets, but they are better than loose rivets. I've got about 15 in my boat, but I plan to remove them later this year and make a proper repair with a real rivet replacement. however, I have to tear out the front live wells and flooring to get to the rivets. It's going to be a full weekend project and about $2 worht of rivets.

[Hemlock]

Depending on how much you use the boat will determine the year vs. 3-4 years on the "goop" We've tried all sorts of goops, and it rarely lasts more than a year for us. This is on our little tin boats (14 and 16' lunds) They're in the water from May till October and get used alot. They aren't stored inside in the winter either. So, if you baby your boat, keep it inside and on a trailer, the goops might buy you more time. THe proper fix as Steve Bakken mentioned is to flatten out those rivets. This works and lasts.