to buy or not to buy

[mercerfisherman]

I have a unique opportunity to purchase a 16' 2000 Fisher Hawk with a 75hp 4-stroke engine for a very good price. I believe the boat to be in pretty good condition - except for one thing. The owner blew out 6 rivets near the boat hole when fighting a big storm on the big lake. (Lake Michigan). He had two of the rivet leaks professionally welded and used an aluminum epoxy on the remaining four leaks. (Says he couldn't afford to have all six welded.) The owner says the epoxy has worked for the last two years. In any event, is this a safe alternative for repairing a 16' 1000# plus boat? Or am I just looking at trouble down the road? Any advice would be appreciated, especially from folks who are familiar with this epoxy solution. Thanks - Mike

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: to buy or not to buy

Not sure what a boat hole is,unless it is the hole in the water that you throw 1000.00 dollar bills in.

If is is the the hole in the back where the boat plug goes, I guess that I would have a professional look at that. If it blew out rivets it may have done some other damage to stringers, keel area etc.

I have had several riveted boats and have never blown out rivets, of course this is just my experience.

Must have taken a heck of a beating during that run home.

 

[chomamma]

Re: to buy or not to buy

Sounds strange to "weld" rivet holes. I would have spend a few $ and just replaced them. The problem with rivets, is they can over time lossen up and begin to leak.

Personally I wouldn't worry about the epoxy repair. It's just one hole and as long as it isn't leaking there are many more rivets holding down the stringer.

 

[lncoop]

Re: to buy or not to buy

I concur with Higgy and Mamma. Home repair of rivet holes is definitely no biggie. Of greater concern to me would be what he did to blow out the rivets. Metal boats can really slap the water when there's some chop, but that's quite an accomplishment and could have much broader implications. Just be sure you very carefully examine all structural components. Good luck!