riveting deck.

[dummy379]

Hi guys,<br /><br />I am new to boating and this forum. I just got a 15 foot sea raider with rotten floor and transom. I was told the boat is not worth repairing but i like it and when fixed would be better than anything else in my budget. Besides it comes with an 80 hp merc and i think this thing should fly.<br /><br />I want to remove the top deck to get access to the transom. to reattach i will need to rivet it back into place. I am not familiar with riveting and was thinking of getting an air powered rivet gun. They are cheap enough on ebay. will this tool make the job go faster.<br /><br />Also, i was planning on drilling the existing rivets out. Is this the way to go or is there a better way.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />John

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: riveting deck.

Hi John,<br /> I used stainless screws to re-attach the deck on my Starcraft. I used an inner backing strip of plywood the length of the gunwale to give them something to bite into. Worked very well and seemed to be stronger than the rivits alone holding top to bottom. You can see the strip running the upper edge of the gunwales of this pic. <br />

<br /><br />The boat has absolutely no squeaks or chirps coming from it when crossing wakes and such, as some of my previous boats did due to loose joint between top and bottom.<br />- Scott

 

[dummy379]

Re: riveting deck.

I was considering screws. I have never done rivets so I am apprehensive about that. Maybe I will try a cheap rivet gun and give it a try. If it doesn't work try the screws.<br /><br />thanks for the tip.

 

[robpoe]

Re: riveting deck.

Rivets aren't so bad to do. Just a pain in the butt (imo)

 

[dummy379]

Re: riveting deck.

I will give the rivets a shot. If they don't work well i will go with the screws.<br /><br />John