Rivot vs weld

[Gus]

Some boats use one and some use the other. What's is the reasoning behind either? Pros/cons of each?

Thanks.

[Corey Bechtold]

Rivets have been around forever, recent technology has allowed for all welded boats. Boat manufactures will continue to use rivets because they offer a cheaper way to make boats. From a performance stance, all welded can offer some more performance (i.e.less drag). I have a Crestliner and really like the all welded design. Great performance, solid in waves, no fish lost after diving under the boat (hooking on rivets). I can't knock riveted boats because they are good too. Just get the boat that best suits your needs.

Good luck

[Gus]

Well, right now I have a 78 Lund. Not sure of the model, it's a single console with a fip up bench running the left side and a bench across the back. Sports a 50hp merc. It's all I can afford now but it is a good boat for the most part. It does leak. Probably 1/2 to 1 inch a night. Not earth shattering but it's dissappointing. So I'm out here just trying to find out as much about differnent build types as possible so when it comes time to buy the next one I won't end up with a leaker.

[NotoriousBLM]

Gus,

I wouldn't get to worked up over your boat leaking. If you try to find the leaky rivits and replace, it shouldn't be a big deal. I have a welded aluminum boat, so I don't know how to find leaky rivits, but if you look for broken heads or loose rivits, I think you could make some headway on your boat.

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"Nothing says business in the front and party in back like a good mullet."

[New Yankee]

Gus - I think we have the same boat. Mine's a 80 model but if its an 18' it's a called a Pike. They also made a Pike Deluxe that had a small gunale (sp?)that I wish mine had, but like you it'll do until that lottery ticket comes in...

Valv is a frequent poster and a boat man as well as Steve Bakken (who does it for a living) maybe they can help. I think Valv recomends hammering them tight with a block and ball peen hammer - I think you'll have problems getting access if I've got your boat correct - the floor will stop you. Unless you're replacing the floor you're outta luck, and for 1 inch a night I wouldn't tear out a good floor!

If you do, I've heard of folks using pick up bedliner stuff to seal the boat and know one man who used JB Weld with good results.

If not, you have room for a small bilge pump (for one inch a night I'd get a cheapee) in the bilge area - I'd cut a hole in the splash pan to run the bilge tube (seal it of course) and run it out the splash drain.

My two - it's likely worth what you paid for it

[Valv]

Actually Steve recommends the riveting procedure, he's more into this kind of jobs than me, since he does it as business.

I just sealed an Alumacraft with Herculiner, then found out it was the plug fitting....

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Val Vignati

www.kvesurplus.com
[email protected]

[gailray]

The reason the rivets are leaking is because they have become a little loose. To find the bad ones you will need to fill the boat with water mark them, drain the boat and reset the rivets.This is done by using a heavy weight held on one side and and on the other side hitting the rivet with a hammer and tool that just fits over the rivet but doesnt hit your boat.This will swell the rivet and make it seal again. you will probably have to make a tool but a farm supply store might have one. Farmers use rivets to install new segments in their hay cutting blades