Repairing Holes In Aluminum Boat?

[Smossy]

Ok who FINALLY got to take our 14 foot john boat out yesterday to see if it floats, It indeed does, but it has a few leaks.
They're slow leaks but even with that the second it hits the water u can see it creeping in - From a few old rivet holes, and a few old cracks that look like someone tried to patch one time and did a horrible job.

Anyone have experience with repairing/patching holes/cracks like this and what to use?
I picked up some waterweld from J-B Weld and I think Im going to give that a try, but just wanted to hear what everyone else says. The boat has lots of potential.

[CP]

Loose rivets need to be replaced.  Cracks should be repaired by riveting an aluminum patch over the crack with a good sealant (such as 3M 5200) between the patch and the crack.

[Practical Approach]

I am curious as well.  I have a 14 foot aluminum boat that has some cracks in the transom from too much weight or force from the engine. 

[Smossy]

Loose rivets need to be replaced.  Cracks should be repaired by riveting an aluminum patch over the crack with a good sealant (such as 3M 5200) between the patch and the crack.

Ive read that the 5200 doesnt bond to aluminum very well... Wood and fiberglass its amazing but not aluminum.. You tried it first hand?

[CP]

Lots of good info in here:
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/amt_airframe_handbook/media/ama_Ch04.pdf
See the section on Stop-drill cracks and on doublers.

5200 works fine on aluminum, I've used it many times.

[Smossy]

Lots of good info in here:
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/amt_airframe_handbook/media/ama_Ch04.pdf
See the section on Stop-drill cracks and on doublers.

5200 works fine on aluminum, I've used it many times.

Looks pretty complicated

[Boss .300 winmag]

tagging 

[DoubleJ]

My dad said, (And I think Hunterman said it too) "The happiest day of my life was the day I got my boat.  The second happiest day of my life was the day I sold my boat"

[jackmaster]

do you know a welder? you can rent an aliminum welder, that would probably be the best way

[Smossy]

do you know a welder? you can rent an aliminum welder, that would probably be the best way

Nope. I did some electric wire feed welding back in the day when I could find a job. I imagine its completely different though.

[KFhunter]

you can't weld it.



you need to install new solid aluminum rivets as stated.  You got good advice from CP.

The only thing CP didn't catch was to goop up the new rivets before you install them, probably with that same 3m stuff he mentioned.


If you lived close I'd help you buck in new rivets, it's a two person job and best left to someone who knows how to run a rivet gun. 

[Smossy]

you can't weld it.



you need to install new rivets as stated.  You got good advice from CP.

The only thing CP didn't catch was to goop up the new rivets before you install them, probably with that same 3m stuff he mentioned.


If you lived close I'd help you buck in new rivets, it's a two person job and best left to someone who knows how to run a rivet gun.

Yeah and I have no idea what a rivet gun looks like nor how to use one. Where you located KF?
This is basicaly now a project boat and Id like to get it in good working order. Repair holes, strip and repaint, place carpeted runner boards on the floors. Maybe even install a small live well or battery box.

[KFhunter]

toss up some pics,  I'm too far away to help you in person

[Smossy]

Here's a few pictures so you have an idea of what I'm talking about, That's it sitting next to our 17 foot canoe.

[KFhunter]

Installing Aircraft Solid Rivets