Best way to reseal a rivited aluminum boat

[kmk89]

I have 1983 or 1984 aluminum 14' smokercraft boat. Lately it has been pooling water in the back by the outboard. I know its not me tracking water in the boat, so I suspect a leak somewhere in the back. What is the best way to reseal the boat where it is rivited together? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Best way to reseal a rivited aluminum boat

I'm NOT a "Tin Boat" guy but...Most of the guys on here use a product called "Gluvit" or "Coat-It" to seal their boats on the Inside. Both are epoxy based producst and do require you to protect them from UV rays. Google em up and check em out.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Best way to reseal a rivited aluminum boat

On my 1983 riveted aluminum canoe I've used the 3M Yellow Weatherstripping Adhesive...clean around leaking rivets with a wire brush, apply a blob on top and around rivet...tough, flexible, stays on for a couple of years...re-apply if needed. I've heard a lot about that Gluvit stuff but it's fairly expensive...never tried it.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Best way to reseal a rivited aluminum boat

1. Do a leak test on your boat, fill the bottom of the boat with a few inches of water while it's on the trailer and watch the outside of the bottom for leaks. Mark the leaks when you find them.

2. I you have a leaky rivet(s) replace the rivet.

3. If you have a leaky seam apply Gluvit or Coat-it to the inside of the hull. Applying gluvit or coat-it to all of the inside seams and rivets will be a good preventive measure for future leaks.

4. Protect the coating from UV damage with paint or carpet etc.

5. Go catch fish!

 

[boatnut74]

Re: Best way to reseal a rivited aluminum boat

Another thing to check is the transom. If it is starting to rot water might be coming in where the motor mount bolts come through.

 

[64osby]

Re: Best way to reseal a rivited aluminum boat

I used Gluvit and had great success.

If you can, float your boat and mark any areas that leak with a pencil. Use a very heavy load. It's easier on the boat than filling it with water. If you can't float it the other will work but don't over fill it. Bad for the boat and trailer.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Best way to reseal a rivited aluminum boat

64's right. You can fill it with water but it may take a lot of water to find a leak. Ever notice how fast water comes in through a drain plug vs. how fast it goes out. So, yes, float it and look for the weeping rivets and mark them. If you can, re-buck them first then clean the area really well and coat it with glu-vit and you're good to go for a long long time.