Leaking Keel 1984 Supersport 160

[Capt_KO'Leary]

I bought my first Starcraft a few weeks ago and found a few leaky rivets and seams. Any suggestions?? I live near Los Angeles and plan on taking the boat to Catalina island but cannot do so until I stop the leak. I tried the Cabella's aluminum boat patch but that pealed right off.

 

[airshot]

Re: Leaking Keel 1984 Supersport 160

You have a number of options, but first you must identify which rivets are leaking. The Cabela patch material will work but it is temporary, you probably did not have a good clean surface. You really do not want temporary anyhow. Replacement rivets are availiable but can be somewhat difficult to replace depending upon your skill and their location. One fix I have used in the past with great sucess is to drill the rivet out and replace with a same diameter SS screw, round head with nut to the inside and a dollop of quality sealant on both sides of screw. A good lock washer or locking nut is a must. This is next best to actual rivet replacement and a bit easier. If leak is minor just a tightening of the rivet may be all that is needed. I am sure others have ideas and there is an article in this forum on rivet repair, do your search....

Airshot

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Leaking Keel 1984 Supersport 160

Look into a product called Gluvit. It is best applied from the inside but will work from the outside as well. It's an epoxy with an etching component built in so it adheres very well to aluminum. It is not UV protected though so if you apply it from the outside, you should then paint it.

 

[Capt_KO'Leary]

Re: Leaking Keel 1984 Supersport 160

Will gluv-it be able to handle the speed ?

Or would re riveting be the best bet?

 

[bananaboater]

Re: Leaking Keel 1984 Supersport 160

Sort of depends; where the rivet is, does it need to be replaced, etc. The Gluvit is not a solution to structural integrity, it only seals around well seated rivets. So bucking loose ones and replacing bad ones is the first step. And if it was me I would have a bilge pump too.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Leaking Keel 1984 Supersport 160

Go thru and check all rivets for loose ones, mark those with a sharpie.

Then fill boat with water only to the waterline...add food coloring for ease of detection, and circle leaking rivets.

Replace all these bt drilling them out, it helps to punch a center spot using an awl so you don't drill where you don't want a hole, don't ask how I know this.

Then...apply gluvit to clean bare aluminum rivets and seams. It's available from iboats and it's well worth the money.

Then the boat should not leak, and yes, gluvit will be permanent and is strong once cured.

Welcome to iboats, good luck to ya!

 

[Capt_KO'Leary]

Re: Leaking Keel 1984 Supersport 160

Does anyone know what size of rivets to use ?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Leaking Keel 1984 Supersport 160

I used 3/16" aluminum rivets on mine. If you have issues with the hole being screwed up somehow then it's best to step up to a larger size so it fits properly. Fastenal is a great source for any type of rivet you may need, including weird sizes.