16' Aluminum Restoration

[Arizona Aluminum]

Just bought an old aluminum V-hull that's been sitting for years. Is there a product anyone suggests I use to restore/patch the hull? A sprayable or brushable product that will do the exterior justice before it gets a new coat of primer and paint? In addition, is Rustoleum primer and paint o.k. for a simple fishing boat? Thanks!

 

[GatorTom]

Re: 16' Aluminum Restoration

Regular primer does not stick to bare aluminum very well. If you are just using it for a simple fishing boat as you say, I think the rustoleum would be fine if you are covering a previously painted surface (sanded of course). I recently re-did a 16' Starcraft V-hull. You can see pictures of the project in my share-a-project at the link below.

http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,345,00.html

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 16' Aluminum Restoration

Welcome to iboats. you need to expand your question, and explaination of what you want to do. do you have small leaks, or a hole to repair? if it's leaking where? rivets, seams? you can fill the boat with water and watch for where it leaks, mark the areas with a marker. in the past i have found missing rivets, pin holes from electrolisis. and just plain holes.

 

[burroak]

Re: 16' Aluminum Restoration

As far as I know, there is no brush on product that will "patch" hulls. If you are stripping the exterior, an acid etch primer will promote adhesion between the hull and subsequent coats.

 

[Arizona Aluminum]

Re: 16' Aluminum Restoration

The boat is in great shape, but its clear the arizona sun has done its job. I've seen others have used Gluvit on the interior or even truck bed coating to seal seams and rivets. Some sanding of the exterior should be good enough before paint. Forgot to mention the transom needs replacing; that looks like my biggest challenge.

 

[burroak]

Re: 16' Aluminum Restoration

The boat is in great shape, but its clear the arizona sun has done its job. I've seen others have used Gluvit on the interior or even truck bed coating to seal seams and rivets. Some sanding of the exterior should be good enough before paint. Forgot to mention the transom needs replacing; that looks like my biggest challenge.

Oh, have you come to right place. There are more opinions about transom replacement than there are on how to save your soul. Just do a search and chose your poison.