Re: Hull damage on aluminum boat(how to repair)?
Probably need to post some pix of the damage to get the best help.
There could be other reason the boat lists when not on plane. Does it float correctly fore & aft, port to starboard when not underway?
Having the motor off center could be the cause or was a failed attempt to correct list. Possibly it's off center to compensate for prop walk, I don't recall if the motor is to port or starboard of center.....
I wouldn't bang the dents out & I definitely wouldn't heat the dents out. If they are severe enough to cause the boat to list, they sound substantial enough (pix would help) that the aluminum would need to be shrinked (I know you can shrink metal when you work w/ it, but how you'd even attempt to do that on a aluminum hull, I have no idea) to go back to it's original factory orientation. Aluminum can easily be work hardened, which fatigues the aluminum. The force to create a substantial dent may have been enough to do that. Shrinking the aluminum, pulling the dent, or heating the aluminum could make that worse. You also want to avoid heating the aluminum hull near any hull seams. They are typically sealed from the factory w/ a sealant that doesn't react well to heat. Which could cause a water leak at that seam.
Having someone extremely experienced w/ aluminum boat hull repairs get their hands & eyes on the damage may be your best recourse.
I suspect there may be another cause..........
Minor dents could be scuffed, filled, faired & painted over for a cosmetic repair, but the list would likely remain.
Best of luck w/ your project
