1991 Alumicraft bottom damage

[300winchester]

I have pictures showing bottom dents and am wondering how hard to repair. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. I have better pics available via email

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 1991 Alumicraft bottom damage

If I am viewing the picture correctly, it looks like significant damage. I am sure you will be using a body work hammer and dolly as well as heat probably. You don't want to crack the aluminium. I would advise you consult with a good, seasoned auto body technician before doing anything.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1991 Alumicraft bottom damage

Welcome to iboats.

Aluminum is kinda funny when you start whacking it with a hammer and you are almost more likely to make it worse.

If it doesn't leak I would leave it alone, you are just as likely to crack the aluminum as fix it.

If you REALLY want ot fix it it would require that you strip the boat down so you can get to it then heat it up just enough, too much and you soften the auminum, and then somehow have a guy inside and out, one with a hammer, one with a dolly and tap it straight, lots and lots to go wrong.

Again, if it were my boat, and I have worked with aluminum for 22 years, I would leave it alone.

 

[Rowroy]

Re: 1991 Alumicraft bottom damage

The problem is that now the aluminum has been stretched. Even if you "pound it out", it will still look goofy. You need to shrink the metal as you reform it. Do a Google search for "shrinking metal" and you will find a ton of information.

 

[beermunk]

Re: 1991 Alumicraft bottom damage

I would find a good aluminum welder and have a new patch welded right over that strip. Then you won't have to worry about fixing the current piece and it would strengthen that area against future scrapes.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1991 Alumicraft bottom damage

Beg to differ Beermonk, I wouldn't want to weld that close to rivets.

If someone brought me that boat and ask me to fix it I would just leave it as it is unless it leaks and then I would fix the leaks and let the rest go.

I would just hate to risk taking a dry boat with dents and make it a leaking boat with dents and I have welded boats for 22 years.

I still say leave it go unless it leaks then only fix the leaks and avoid the spot where you hit whatever did this.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1991 Alumicraft bottom damage

Leave it alone and be very happy it was not fiberglass damage!