Complicated leaking rivets

[snapshotmd]

I have a couple leaking rivets that are holding the keel guard onto the bottom of the boat. To complicate things, these rivets are directly under the seats which have been reinforced with a sheet of aluminum under the plywood deck.
Sealing from the outside would probably not work since I would have to get the sealant under the keel guard. Sealing on the inside would be the best bet.
There is probably 4" of space between the deck and the bottom of the boat. I thought of cutting an access panel thru the floor and aluminum, but I'm afraid to weaken the area.
Anyone have any other ideas on how to seal this?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Complicated leaking rivets

If you drilled a hole through the aluminum panel and deck..... can you get to the back side of those rivets? Some people have created access then poured gluvit into the holes to flood around the rivit. It will stop the leak but, if the rivets are not tight...... you should fix it right.

With a keel guard...... are you sure of where the leak is???? Could it be flowing to that point to escape?

 

[TCM]

Re: Complicated leaking rivets

A blind rivet with some aircraft type fuel tank sealant would get the job done. There are some high locking blind fasteners out there. They are used on Aircraft pressure vessle (fuselage) when fastener replacement is required where access is limited. May save you from doing an access panel. Give it a shot what do you have to loose.