Leaking Rivets

[wargle70]

I have a 1990 17' Alumacraft Super Bandit with 90 hp Merc. Love the boat, but I have a problem with leaking rivets in the hull. I have a automatic bilge that pumps out about 2 gal of water every 30-45 min. The boat has an interior floor, so I can't access the "DRY" side of the rivets for repair. I need something the cover the rivets on the outside of the hull that will stand up to the water friction and flex somewhat. I've read posts about Gluvit, 3M 5200, truck bed liner, etc. what would be the best to use for my application?

 

[bassmanhb]

Re: Leaking Rivets

Get some 1/4 inch closed blind rivets and some 3m 5200sealant drill out the leaky rivets and replace with the closed end blind rivets coated in the 5200sealant.....

'edit' Should add to fill the boat to the water line to find the leaky rivets then you can mark them for removal


bass

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Leaking Rivets

depending on the size of rivet you need to replace, 3/16" rivets may suffice & be MUCH easier to 'pop' w/ a hand riveter....

But are you asking about covering ALL the rivets?

I have a problem with leaking rivets in the hull. I have a automatic bilge that pumps out about 2 gal of water every 30-45 min. The boat has an interior floor, so I can't access the "DRY" side of the rivets for repair. I need something the cover the rivets on the outside of the hull that will stand up to the water friction and flex

Or just the leakers?

Has the boat EVER sat outside uncovered, possibly sitting w/ water below decks?

I don't recommend truck bedliner on any portion of the aluminum hull, boat structure or rivets.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Leaking Rivets

1989 Sylvan Boat Rebuild Part 4 - YouTube

This is your best fix for leaky rivets!

 

[Watermann]

Re: Leaking Rivets

The rivets that are leaking need to be located first off. Nothing placed over the head of the leaking rivets will be permanent if even a fix at all. Get on a creeper underneath, look for obviously damaged or missing rivet heads. Inspect the keel area closely for bad rivets or a worn keel with a crack. Replace the obviously bad rivets with 3/16ths 3/8" bite closed end blind rivets bedded in 5200. You could get them all but most likely not. To see if you still have some leaks you can add water to the boat bilge and watch for the rivets that drip.

 

[pckeen]

Re: Leaking Rivets

I found this useful to get an idea of how to go about this.

 

[wargle70]

Re: Leaking Rivets

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll be replacing some rivets. I have filled with water before and identified about a dozen leakers. I've tried some sort of epoxy stick where you use a propane torch and melt this stick over the rivet head. didn't last a year. I guess replacement is the only sure way. Thanks again.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Leaking Rivets

Yeah, the smearing of goo (heated or not) and the "paint on" fixes on the exterior of a riveted boat hull is temporary at best... if they even work at all.

The closed end blind rivets will probably last longer than you will own the boat, and it's had to tell for someone else to tell you even did anything to it... unlike the goo fixes that leave big spots around the rivetsand makes your boat look like it has a case of the green measles.