leaky aluminum seams

[branney]

I just came into an old Alumacraft 16' Semi-V utility boat with leaky seams. The rivets are all OK, but there's some pretty heavy seeping around bow stem, chines and transom edges when I filled the hull with water while on the trailer. Anybody had any good results with any products to achieve a seal? I've been surfing products with something that would seep into those seams in mind, and the description for Boatlife Liquidlife Calk sounds right, but then product descriptions always sound right. Any recommendations from experience would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: leaky aluminum seams

Gulvit, is the aluminum boats best friend.

 

[cc67]

Re: leaky aluminum seams

Do like all me and my river buddies do --- take a clorox plasic bleach bottle and cut out the bottom to make a scoop and bail away

 

[Silvertip]

Re: leaky aluminum seams

Don't even need the plastic scupper. Put the drain plug on the inside. Get on plane and pull the plug. Out the water goes. Put the plug back in and wait 'til she fills up again.

 

[erie_guy]

Re: leaky aluminum seams

Branney - I had a similiar leaking problem with a 12' Sears boat - mostly at the transom to bottom joint. I tried caulking externally with a silicone rubber, but it still leaked, just a little slower.

Two seasons ago I tried another fix from inside the hull. I stood the boat on its transom and used a Permetex automotive windshield sealer. I layed a heavy bead of this very thin windshield sealer along the joint. The sealer is very thin and runs almost like water. It went right into the joint and some even came out the bottom. When it setup, I let it cure for a couple of days, then put it in the water. No leaks now for the last two seasons.

Don't know how long it will last, but it was an inexpensive repair. You may have problem getting the bow high enough to get it into the transom/bottom seam but it should flow into the bow and chine seams OK, assuming you have inside access to this part of the hull. Best of luck with your repair !!

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH

 

[bassboy1]

Re: leaky aluminum seams

Research Gluv it, or get you a nice bailing bucket. The new plastic folgers coffee cans, with the little handle are great.

 

[Haasman]

Re: leaky aluminum seams

HTS 2000 look it up,, research it, best thing for aluminum since bubble gum. I know because I have used it,, it's easy to use and def. strong

 

[j_martin]

Re: leaky aluminum seams

I used to have an old Ouachita flat bottom riveted aluminum bass boat. It got used hard before I got it, and I beat it.

Between the bathtub calk and a 1200 GPH bilge pump, it stayed afloat just fine.

John

 

[ss5358]

Re: leaky aluminum seams

HTS 2000 look it up,, research it, best thing for aluminum since bubble gum. I know because I have used it,, it's easy to use and def. strong

I am going to use this too. I have a couple of gapped rivets on my Smokercraft Offshore. I will have to apply this material while laying on the ground under my hull. Do you have any suggestions from you experience as to the best approach to sealing rivets with this product? How is your repair holding up?

Thanks, Steve