Aluminum boat leak

[Bobdar]

I bought an old Thornes 13' aluminum boat. Replaced the transom wood, and the broken seat brackets. Took it out on the lake last weekend ant found 2 small leaks. Not bad for how old thiis thing must be I figure. First one was just a leaky rivet which i fixed with a couple of hammers. The second is a hole in the weld of a previous keel repair. Pics included. I have a few ideas for repairs. JB Weld. Silicone. Drill and self tapping sheet metal screw. Or drill and pop rivet. The balck spot in the middle of the hole is the rubber seal between the original keel and the side sheet. The hole is on the side of the keel so shouldn't be subject to bumping, scraping or flexing. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Aluminum boat leak

Go ahead and use JB weld..... totally forget the silicone

Based on where it is and the size a quick repair will work.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Aluminum boat leak

Ditto the JB Weld. Amazing stuff. Alternatively, that putty that has the two components together and you just break off a piece and knead it in your hand works great too. It's really handy if you don't want to mess with mixing. I think JB Weld's a little better though. I like to just keep some of the other stuff in the boat in case of an emergency.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Aluminum boat leak

Yup, scuff it good and break out the JB.

 

[Planecrazie]

Re: Aluminum boat leak

Jb weld is the ticket.

 

[HotKetchup]

Re: Aluminum boat leak

Usually right next to the JB weld, theres this stuff made by JB Weld called Waterweld. COmes as a 2 part stick that you knead together. Incredible stuff. You better be ready to use it when you knead it with a working time of about five minutes. Made for water/boat applications. Rock hard as original JB in about 30 minutes. Sandable, drillable, paintable. As you can tell Im sold on it. I use it for everything.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Aluminum boat leak

Yeah, that's the other product I was referring to. Several manufacturers make a version. It's really handy, especially for those on the water applications

 

[scipper77]

Re: Aluminum boat leak

Looks like you have your answer. Wanted to say nice post, and great pics. I have had issues taking pictures of aluminum in the past and those show everything.

 

[Bobdar]

Re: Aluminum boat leak

The JB Weld did the trick nicely. Thanks all.