Just found a gash in my boat!!!

[tonynoriega2]

Of course...

It couldn't have been perfect...too good to be true.

I was looking around the hull of my tinny and just now came across a number "7" shaped gash in my boat...below the waterline rib.

Looks like someone hit either a trailer angle, or a freaking coffee table...take your pick...about 1" horizontal, and about 1 3/4" vertical...literally in a #7 shape...

Here is a shot form outside and inside the boat...

I could really use some insight into trying to fix this... and could really not use the sarcastic "you got screwed" comments...not happy....this project went from good times to what the f**k times...

Thanks guys.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: Just found a gash in my boat!!!

I would find a good welder in your area and have that spot welded up. The only other option would be to make an aluminum patch and riveting it over, sealed with 5200 or the like.

 

[oops!]

Re: Just found a gash in my boat!!!

what the heck hit that boat? wow.... not many punctures like that one.

IMHO... that would be a weld job.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Just found a gash in my boat!!!

It isn't that big of a deal, do like mentioned above and have it welded of slap a patch on it. A professional weld would be the best fix.

It was a lot better to find it now than to have launched and the found it when it started taking on water like the Titanic and it would've gone to the bottom like the Titanic without floatation foam... something you should consider installing.

 

[Star]

Re: Just found a gash in my boat!!!

In that area a good welder should be able to make a solid repair. I would not put a patch over it unless the welder thought it may crack over time. I always keep JB's water weld in my boat for a temporary repair if I smack a submerged rock. This stuff is amasing!!! I have used it externally on a 130 degree low preasure aluminum water jacket it worked for 2 years. It is a putty that sets in 20 minutes an cures in 2 hours!!!

 

[briangcc]

Re: Just found a gash in my boat!!!

Good welder should be able to fix that. Otherwise, they're always offering up that Allumiloy (sp?) stuff on TV. The low melt Aluminum Alloy that you can get to flow with a regular propane torch (available at most hardware stores). Not sure on the longevity of the alloy fix as I've never used the stuff.


BTW: Looks like someone tagged the end of a dock with that boat. About the right shape for it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Just found a gash in my boat!!!

I'd hammer it flat and have a 1/8" thick aluminum plate welded on the inside, then weld the crack on the outside, sand, polish...good as new!...that's the beauty of aluminum hulls!

 

[tonynoriega2]

Re: Just found a gash in my boat!!!

Thanks guys... I think my heart attack has subsided slightly after your input. Total buzz kill last night in the garage, but sounds like it shouldn't be that big of a deal.