Just joined the forum after purchasing my first boat, an old Monark 14 ft Aluminum jon boat and trailer for about 200 bucks. Wanted a fixer upper to learn about boats with. My knowledge is very limited here so I'm excited to hopefully discover more about what I have and what I can do.
Here's what I know. (I've attached a few pictures)
Aluminum 14 ft jon boat that has had some previous work to address structural damage. There is one very visible patch welded on the bottom. I can't see if there are more due to a compound or sealant that was canvased over a 3' x 4' (roughly) section of the bottom.
Also a few of the ribs were cracked at its center point, welded, cracked again beside the welding point (which I've read is an issue with aluminum). The previous owner I guess in an attempt to stabilize, screwed strips of metal (1"x1" hollow) onto the ribs to prevent a flexing movement. This was discovered after I removed old carpeted decking from the front. There are a few very small patches else where that seem to be holding up fine.
It seems to me that I need to start by removing the layers of old paint as well as this sealant/compound that is covering what I suspect is more welding work. It's pretty brittle and Ive actually been able to break off a few poker chip size pieces of it. (I would really like to learn what this is.)
By doing this I would have a full understanding of everything that needs to be addressed.
A couple of questions I have is how to start this process. I've read chemicals, 4" grinder with a stripping wheel. Where should I start with getting this boat down to aluminum if that's even a worthy first step at all? With there being damage to a couple of the ribs are there ways to reinforce them or am I looking at a lost cause? Either way I'm still going to use boat this as a learning tool and if I manage to get it out on water successfully then great!!!
Again very new to all this and I apologize if I used any terms in correctly. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your advice.
Jason Kurkimilis
Murfreesboro, Tn
Here's what I know. (I've attached a few pictures)
Aluminum 14 ft jon boat that has had some previous work to address structural damage. There is one very visible patch welded on the bottom. I can't see if there are more due to a compound or sealant that was canvased over a 3' x 4' (roughly) section of the bottom.
Also a few of the ribs were cracked at its center point, welded, cracked again beside the welding point (which I've read is an issue with aluminum). The previous owner I guess in an attempt to stabilize, screwed strips of metal (1"x1" hollow) onto the ribs to prevent a flexing movement. This was discovered after I removed old carpeted decking from the front. There are a few very small patches else where that seem to be holding up fine.
It seems to me that I need to start by removing the layers of old paint as well as this sealant/compound that is covering what I suspect is more welding work. It's pretty brittle and Ive actually been able to break off a few poker chip size pieces of it. (I would really like to learn what this is.)
By doing this I would have a full understanding of everything that needs to be addressed.
A couple of questions I have is how to start this process. I've read chemicals, 4" grinder with a stripping wheel. Where should I start with getting this boat down to aluminum if that's even a worthy first step at all? With there being damage to a couple of the ribs are there ways to reinforce them or am I looking at a lost cause? Either way I'm still going to use boat this as a learning tool and if I manage to get it out on water successfully then great!!!
Again very new to all this and I apologize if I used any terms in correctly. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your advice.
Jason Kurkimilis
Murfreesboro, Tn
