Aluminum repair

[malibu4u]

Hi Folks! One of the best forums I have seen on the net so far. I go to your site at least 2 a day to check it out. The question I have is for my 12' aluminum car topper boat. I have some small leaks around the rivets in the stern and other than taking the rivets out and replacing them(it's an old boat) is there something on the market I can get to put over the rivet heads? I live in Canada and can get aluminum weld but it doesn't work very well. It's like a tube of silicone.

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Aluminum repair

I haven't seen your boat, malibu, but if my aluminum boat ever leaks like that, I'm going to tig weld all of the joints and holes. It's a little time consuming, but I like permanant repairs. If you don't know how to tig weld, it would probably cost you a good bit of money, though. Just a thought.

 

[Barlow]

Re: Aluminum repair

peen the rivets, wire brush the rivet and the area surrounding it and use some JB-Weld on the exterior side.<br /><br />make surer the aluminum is cleaned with some rubbing alcohol or equivelent before application.<br /><br /><br />there are a few other guys herew that are better versed with this but, I've done quite a bit of bandaging on my old duck boat this way with success.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Aluminum repair

I found some good info here for aluminum......<br /><br /> web page

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Aluminum repair

Welcome Malibu!! The easiest and least expensive repair for you also happens to be about the most permanent.Get a tube of 3m 5200 sealant.Sand or bronze brush clean and wipe with acetone and apply sealant.It goes on like a tube of silicone but it is absolutely permanent.This is the strongest holding sealant there is.If there are tiny voids near each rivet force the sealant into the void and then leave a dime size dab over the rivet.This will do the trick.If you can get at both sides of the rivet then do both.Charlie

 

[malibu4u]

Re: Aluminum repair

Thank you people for all your help. I will try some of your ideas and if I am sucessful with one more than the other, I will let you know. Fantastic site to be a member of!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Aluminum repair

Malibu4u<br />The best fix for aluminum rivets if you can get to both sides is just to tighten the rivet. You put a hammer under the head of the then form the other side you hammer the rivet. This tightened it up and it will stop leaking. Do not over tighten. However it always seams like the worst leaks are one you can not get to both sides. On these I would try a special stick used with a propane tourch.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/ <br /><br />Search for ALUMINUM LEAK<br /><br />OR<br /><br /> http://www.cabelas.com <br /><br />search for Aluminum Boat Patch or Aluminum Leak

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Aluminum repair

Plenty of good advice up there.<br />Or try this -<br /> http://www.durafix.com/ <br /><br />Problem seems to be getting enough heat with propane to melt the durafix (also called Allumaloy, and several other names).<br /><br />One partial solution is to get a damp rag and surround each rivet with it - a few inches away from the rivet. This concentrates the heat and helps to save it leeching away. We've used this trick with big commercial plumbing fittings and also with oxy welding thick metal, so no reason why the principle shouldn't help here.<br /><br />Ciao

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Aluminum repair

i used GLUV-IT on my 14 footer and its permanent as hell

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Aluminum repair

Crazy charlie hit the nail on the head - but wear gloves when you do it!

 

[stsmith]

Re: Aluminum repair

I have a 18' v hull and 12' jon boat. The best way I found to repair the rivots is to drill them out. (easy) Then use 1/4 inch pan head screws with flat washer, lock washer, and nut. (Stainless Steel)Smear with sealant before installing. Have done this on both boats and never had a leak since. <br /><br />Smitty