Bolt hole repair in aluminum gunwales - any tips?

[Ktaadn]

Hi everyone,
The prior owner of my aluminum boat (1996 Starcraft Islander 191v) had a pair of downriggers mounted on each gunwale. I don't have any use for them, so I've removed them. The gunwales are just painted aluminum - no wood core, etc.

Do you guys have any tips for plugging the bolt holes? I thought about just using some stainless steel bolts and 5200, but I'm wondering if there's a better solution. On the port side, they messed up the downrigger install and drilled several holes that weren't apparent until I removed the swivel mounts, so it's pretty unsightly.

Thanks!

 

[BWR1953]

Hi everyone,
The prior owner of my aluminum boat (1996 Starcraft Islander 191v) had a pair of downriggers mounted on each gunwale. I don't have any use for them, so I've removed them. The gunwales are just painted aluminum - no wood core, etc.

Do you guys have any tips for plugging the bolt holes? I thought about just using some stainless steel bolts and 5200, but I'm wondering if there's a better solution. On the port side, they messed up the downrigger install and drilled several holes that weren't apparent until I removed the swivel mounts, so it's pretty unsightly.

Thanks!

I had a similar situation on my Kingfisher, including a giant hole from a PO rod holder.

The fix was simple, I fashioned a small aluminum plate that fit between the gunnel edges and covered the hole(s) and then riveted it in place. Looks factory.

 

[Ktaadn]

I had a similar situation on my Kingfisher, including a giant hole from a PO rod holder.

The fix was simple, I fashioned a small aluminum plate that fit between the gunnel edges and covered the hole(s) and then riveted it in place. Looks factory.

That's what I'm looking for - thanks! Great idea. Way better than my random bolts. I bet I could blend it in so it would look factory too.

Why didn't I think of that..?

 

[BWR1953]

That's what I'm looking for - thanks! Great idea. Way better than my random bolts. I bet I could blend it in so it would look factory too.

Why didn't I think of that..?